Students from the Faculty of Life Sciences ran an information stand at the trade fair in Hanover and interviewed experts on the ‘red sofa’ on the topic of ‘human resources policy in agricultural businesses’.
At this year’s “EuroTier” trade fair – the world’s leading exhibition for livestock farming, held in Hanover – universities of applied sciences organised a joint initiative inviting visitors to the “Red Sofa”. Company directors and HR managers from industry leaders answered questions about their HR policies.
Harald Gabriel, Managing Director of ‘Bioland Niedersachsen e.V.’, appeared as a guest on the ‘Red Sofa’ alongside students from Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences to discuss the topic ‘Expectations of graduates from universities of applied sciences’. ‘Bioland Niedersachsen e.V.’ is not a research institute, but a producers’ association that aims to find practical solutions for farmers practising organic agriculture. The interview revealed that, from the entrepreneur’s perspective, universities of applied sciences are fulfilling their responsibilities and providing young people with practical training to meet these opportunities and challenges – as exemplified by Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences with its ‘Agribusiness’ and ‘Sustainable Agriculture’ degree programmes. Of the 180 employees at agricultural companies, the largest proportion are agricultural advisers who have completed a degree. It is therefore advantageous for applicants to have as much practical experience as possible after completing their degree, to be self-organised, to place great value on social skills, and to pursue the profession with high levels of motivation. A period spent abroad during their studies is seen as an indicator of openness, independence and mobility.
Public appreciation of the profession and the roles within the green sector is growing. High-quality products for consumers and the food industry, together with extensive and diverse contributions to the energy transition, demonstrate the capabilities of the businesses and the people working in the agricultural sector. The sector’s firm roots in the real economy, its commitment to environmental and animal welfare, and its expertise in managing high-tech processes ensure it remains attractive. The agricultural and food sectors can foster the regional connections that are currently emerging as major counter-trends to the perceived complexity of globalisation.
A big thank you goes to the Förderverein Hochschule Rhein-Waal e.V., which subsidised the excursion with 1,000 euros.
