At the OCO exhibition in Haidonanas, producers were able to learn about the results of robotic autonomous farming, the latest technologies related to organic farming, current challenges and scientific results. In order to support farmers and organic agriculture, the University of Debrecen plans to pay special attention to external training in the future.
The fourth Oko Expo and Congress, from 8 to 9 September, is organized by the University of Debrecen, the National Chamber of Agriculture and the East Hungarian Bioculture Association, primarily for producers, processors, traders, service providers and scientists. Experts and consultants working in the field of organic agriculture.
György Kosa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Grove Tisza Istvan Foundation of the University of Debrecen, noted in his speech at the opening on Friday that an ecosystem must be created where agriculture, sales, science and innovation can form a unit. Precision agriculture and efficient agriculture must be supported with all our strength. The modern agricultural way of thinking has also been demonstrated in education. Through external training, the university will strengthen support for local farmers in Haidonanas and make the model here exemplary at the national level. Every person has a huge responsibility in creating food security, and regenerative agriculture can contribute to ensuring the value of local products at the international level as well. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees said that the research is of inevitable importance for the future of Hungarian agriculture, as qualified specialists can define the agriculture of the future.
It has also been said that through innovation, agriculture can reach a new level, as it is possible to produce high-quality food using the latest technologies and using fewer chemicals.
The value of knowledge in Hungarian agriculture has increased, and it is important to find the common intersection between agriculture and environmental sustainability, and from this standpoint, agriculture must be successful. The areas where organic agriculture is widespread have increased several times. Tibor Szolath, Mayor of Hajdonnas, said that the new agricultural policy has opportunities that Hungarian farmers should take advantage of.
Agriculture is a priority field at the University of Debrecen, and Andrei Harsanyi, Vice Chancellor in charge of the development of agricultural and food sciences, emphasized that the university provides students with knowledge that will enable young people to stand their ground in all areas of the university. Transformation of Hungarian agriculture.
The university’s main mission is to impart knowledge, and the institution also presents its extensive research at the exhibition. Agriculture is a key strategic area at our university, and we have restructured the training structure accordingly so that students can obtain the latest knowledge. “We want to provide appropriate answers to technological modernization and climate change challenges,” the Vice Chancellor said.
The importance of modern knowledge and know-how was emphasized by István Jakab, Deputy Speaker of Parliament and President of MAGOSZ, who believes that the University of Debrecen has a crucial role in this matter. The size of the areas used for organic agriculture began at 8,000 hectares years ago, and within four years it may reach 500,000 hectares. The role of the university must be highlighted, because maintaining health is of fundamental importance, and through scientific activity, learning can contribute to creating healthy food and excellent fertile land. Accordingly, Hungarian agriculture wants to offer people excellent products. “We want to provide producers with knowledge that can improve their competitiveness,” said István Jakab.
Laszlo Stundel, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Food Science and Environmental Management at the University of Debrecen, stressed that the mission of the Faculty is to diversify agriculture by developing research and training, and expanding farmers’ knowledge in all areas of agriculture.
Technology has evolved to a level where we are able to decipher various molecular and biochemical processes. Knowing these processes enables us to farm more efficiently, and we can serve farmers with accurate predictions that help with crop safety. This knowledge is prominently present in organic agriculture, in which the focus should be on prevention. The college president added that the university’s mission is to put this scientific knowledge into practice and develop it into innovation for farmers.
At the show, more than fifty exhibitors will share their knowledge, explain their technologies, and present their services and products. Agricultural specialists at the University of Debrecen directly report scientific findings and innovations in the field of organic agriculture to representatives of the profession.
In addition to demonstrations of machines and varieties, lectures were held at the conference on, among others, the possibilities of intensive organic farming, the challenges of organic seed production in Hungary, the reality of self-sufficiency, processing and commercial experiments of Hungarian agriculture. Organic products, and the importance of regenerative agriculture in organic agriculture.
At the event, the most innovative products and producers were honored, and the Öko Expo Award, Innovation Award, Exhibitor Producer Award and MAGOSZ Special Award were presented.
Source: Press Center DE M. Tóth Ildikó -BZ