GreenAgro – Establishing a Research Network for the Green Transformation of Agriculture in Germany, Armenia and Kazakhstan

In summer and autumn 2025, representatives of the GreenAgro Project from the University of Hohenheim took part in a series of international exchanges aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices, fostering academic partnerships, and strengthening cooperation with institutions in Armenia and Kazakhstan. The visits offered valuable opportunities to share expertise, develop joint initiatives, and build lasting connections across borders.

As part of the GreenAgro Project, representatives from the University of Hohenheim traveled to Armenia to strengthen international collaboration and gain insights into sustainable agricultural practices on the ground.

The visit began on 20 July in Yerevan with a meeting at the American University of Armenia. Together with their Armenian partners, the delegation discussed future cooperation opportunities, funding prospects, and the continued development of the GreenAgro Network. The day concluded with a wine tasting at a local venue – a pleasant opportunity for informal exchange and networking.

On 21 July, the group traveled to Lake Sevan to take part in the Sevan Startup Summit, a dynamic event centered on innovation and entrepreneurship. The program featured a lecture by Prof. Dieterich on biodiversity and its role in sustainable agriculture. Later that day, the delegation met with Soluton LLC to discuss plans for establishing a Biosphere Reserve in Dilijan.

The final day, 22 July, took the group to the village of Margahovit, where they observed agricultural practices in subalpine meadows. The visit concluded with a tour of the cultural and natural landmarks of the Dilijan region, including the impressive Haghartsin Monastery Complex.

Following their visit to Armenia, the GreenAgro delegation continued its journey to Kazakhstan to further strengthen international cooperation and explore sustainable agricultural and environmental initiatives.

On 23 July, the group visited the farm “Enbek”, where they learned about innovative approaches to sustainable farming. Later that day, they met with representatives of the Agrarpolitischer Dialog (APD) to discuss policy frameworks and best practices for promoting environmentally friendly agriculture.

A full-day workshop took place on 24 July at the S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University in Astana, bringing together all Kazakh partner institutions — the A. Baitursynuly Kostanay Regional University, M. Kozybaev North Kazakhstan University, and the Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University. Discussions centered on knowledge exchange, joint research opportunities, and ways to strengthen academic collaboration within the GreenAgro network.

On 25 July, the delegation traveled to Kostanay to visit the Naurzum Biosphere Reserve, gaining valuable insights into the region’s unique biodiversity and ongoing conservation efforts. After returning to Astana, the visit concluded on 27 July with the group’s return flight to Germany.

In September, the University of Hohenheim welcomed a delegation from Armenia and Kazakhstan for a reciprocal visit as part of the GreenAgro Project. The delegation included representatives from the American University of Armenia, the S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University, the A. Baitursynuly Kostanay Regional University, the M. Kozybaev North Kazakhstan University, and the Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University.

The program aimed to strengthen collaboration, reflect on previous study visits, and develop shared perspectives for the next phase of the project.

Over the following days, participants took part in a series of workshops dedicated to evaluating the outcomes of the earlier visits to Armenia and Kazakhstan, finalizing a roadmap for future cooperation, and preparing follow-up funding applications.

Excursions to the research stations and laboratory facilities of the University of Hohenheim showcased the wide range of opportunities for joint research initiatives. Additional visits to the Swabian Alb Biosphere Reserve and to local organic farms provided valuable insights into sustainable agricultural practices and biodiversity conservation in Germany.

A guided vineyard tour at the Cannstatter Halde, including a cellar visit, offered a chance to exchange experiences and discuss different methods of viticulture and wine production.

Informal networking and cultural exchange were fostered through shared dinners and social gatherings, creating a warm and collegial atmosphere.

This visit significantly strengthened the GreenAgro network and laid a solid foundation for ongoing international collaboration between the partner institutions.