Annual Review ď “
IAAS annual review 2007-2008
www.iaasworld.org
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The International Association of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences
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The world needs a new generation of professionals involved in agricultural and related sciences.
Not a member yet? Become part of this group, join the global network and get involved in our international activities
With the support of
1 IAAS Headquarters: Faculty of Bioscience Engineering. Kasteelpark Arenberg 20 B-3001 Heverlee (Leuven). Belgium
Contact:
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Hecho en México
Questions, information...
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Somewhere, day by day we try to find different ways to live, learn and experience this wonderful part of our lives; students represent among many things the hopes, potential, dreams and future of a nation. Through the following pages you´ll find efforts of young students from all over the world towards improvement in our field. No matter where you are, where are you from, religion, beliefs or situation; this material represents a statement and commitment of an international group of people who are willing and striving towards improvement in a field where everybody it ´s related with no exception: Agriculture. Its the time for young agricultural students to boost a change. As somebody in my home university once stated: “If you EAT, DRINK or WEAR, you depend on it. Enjoy
The way this star ted. . .
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Thank you to all the special friends who have given me the opportunity to share these unique moments, all the IAAS people around the globe Carlos
IAAS annual review 2007-2008
Special thanks to the EC 2007-2008, without their contribution this publication wouldn´t have been posible. Our recognition to their invaluable work for IAAS.
07-08 Executive committee: Laura Kihlstrom, president Wouter Geurts, vp exchange Michal Przyborski, vp communication Marcin Adamczyk, vp partnership Clark Richardson, vp finances
IAAS is an international non-governmental organisation, completely student driven, non-profit making and independent from other organisations, from religion and/or political affiliations. It is the largest one targeting the field of life sciences gathering students in general agriculture, plant and animal production, agricultural economics, agribusiness, food sciences, forestry, landscape architecture, environmental sciences and biotechnology are all associated with IAAS.
IAAS annual review 2007-2008
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Table of Contents
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The IAAS World
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Foreword
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The Team
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IAAS map
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Who are we?
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“Seminar on the role of European agriculture in preserving biodiversity”
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What determines IAAS in the future?
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Engagement that reaches youth in rural areas: the IAAS-way to go!
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Extracurricular activities take time away from your studies, but you earn it back”
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“International experience is gaining increasing importance for careers today”
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My experience in IAAS
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The IAAS exchange program
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Energy efficiency of agroforestry crops for biofuel production
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Half a century of non-formal education and intercultural dialogue!
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European Directors Meeting
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50th IAAS World Congress 2007 “Food Quality and Food Security“
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Directors Meeting of the Americas
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The Agriculture and Art Festival
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We love training, yes we do!
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Involve yourself as a partner in the blended learning networks of IAAS!
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IAAS annual review 2007-2008
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EL MUNDO IAAS Th e I A A S Wo r l d As the newly elected IAAS President it is my great pleasure to present this year’s Annual Review of our organization. In a world of growing disparities, continuing globalization and ever stronger economic and social ties on the international level it is increasingly important to well prepare the future leaders in the agricultural field for all challenges ahead. From this perspective, non-formal education and extracurricular activities are of great importance and need to be an integral part of the learning process next to “knowledge assimilation” in lectures. IAAS aims at providing these assets to all students in agricultural and related sciences, independent of origin or beliefs. Doing this, IAAS strives to provide equal opportunities for its members and to strengthen their active citizenship and multicultural competence through information dissemination, debates and pluralistic discussions on relevant topics, exchanges and the organization of international meetings. The seeds of IAAS were sown more then half a century ago in Tunis by innovative and forward thinking young adults studying in the field of agricultural sciences. In the meantime, this association has evolved from only eight founding members in 1957 to the largest students’ organization in the field of life sciences. Today, it gathers students studying, majoring and researching at more than 80 universities in over 40 countries all over the world. However, despite our long tradition we have proudly maintained our original mission:
“ To p r o m o t e t h e e x ch a n g e o f experience, knowledge and ideas. To improve the mutual understanding between students in the fields of agriculture and related sciences all over the world” These goals are still as valid and relevant as at the time they were first drafted. We are proud to: 2
the be internationally recognized r e p r e s e n t a t iv e body of students in the field of life sciences, take part in the present day decision making processes and official debates, b r i n g f o r wa r d and train the future experts and leaders and to bridge the gap between science and everyday life by involving and affecting our communities and taking initiative in the field of agriculture and related domains. Together, let us look forward to the next 50 years in and with IAAS changing the world! This Annual Review will give you a brief overview of how IAAS has strived to achieve its aims during the past two years and will cast an eye on the near future, too. Enjoy reading it!
On behalf of IAAS International,
Sebastian Oltmanns
IAAS President 2008/09
IAAS annual review 2007-2008
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Dr. hab. Krystyna Gutkowska Pro-Rector of Didacticts at Warsaw University of Life Sciences
Absolvent of Warsaw University. In 2005 she became a professor of economic sciences in area of consumption economics. For many years she was employed at the Faculty of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences where she took responsibilities in different organizational functions.
Fo r e wo r d The mission of Higher Education Institutions is to create employment capacity for young present-day and future students who will become responsible citizens in the future, whether they plan to spend their life in a home country or abroad. It’s obvious that International Student Organizations play a very important role in the whole educational system. They allow the students to gain the opportunities to meet with peers, different cultures, nationalities and religions. The youth gain abilities to take other people with tolerance and respect. They apply this behavior in their environment not to be hermetic but to be open. And this exactly depends on you, young people, with international contacts to make you as lively as possible. Universities know how responsible they are to grow prospect leaders. But how many of them and how active they are depends on students’ initiatives - on what they want! This process must be started from the students’ side. Otherwise, if university does it, it will not work. Here appears your leadership role! The initiatives are there, and you have to be the shining sun and show the way to the others! Universities’ duty is to bring to the student not only science, which in itself is good, but also other values that fulfill it. I mean here informal education, which your and other organizations provide to the students. You learn there how to cooperate in your everyday life. This will be priceless while working in different companies, organizations and institutions in our mature life. You will know how to act, communicate and cooperate appropriately.
P r e f a c i o La misión de las instituciones de educación superior es crear capacidad de empleo para los estudiantes actuales y futuros jovenes que serán ciudadanos responsables en el futuro, ya sea si planean pasar su vida en su país de orígen o en el extranjero. Es obvio que las Organizaciones Estudiantiles Internacionales desempeñan un papel muy importante en el sistema educativo. Permiten que los estudiantes tengan más oportunidades de conocer nuevos compañeros, diferentes culturas, nacionalidades y religiones. Los jóvenes ganan habilidades para aceptar a otras personas con tolerancia y respeto. Aplican este comportamiento en su ambiente para no ser herméticos sino para ser más abiertos. Y esto depende exactamente de ustedes, jóvenes, con contactos internacionales para que sean tan activos como sea posible. Las universidades saben cuan responsables son para hacer crecer a los prospectos líderes. ¡Pero cuántos de ellos y qué tan activos son depende de las propias iniciativas de los estudiantes, en lo que quieran! Este proceso se debe comenzar desde el lado de los estudiantes. De otra forma, si la universidad lo hace, no funcionará. ¡Aquí aparece tu papel de líder! ¡Las iniciativas están allí, y tú tienes que ser el sol brillante y mostrarles el camino a los demás! El deber de las universidades es brindar al estudiante no sólo la ciencia -que por sí misma es buena- sino también otros valores que lo satisfagan. Con esto me refiero a la educación informal, que sus y otras organizaciones proporcionan a los estudiantes. Ahí aprendes como cooperar en la vida cotidiana. Esto será invaluable mientras trabajes en diversas compañías, organizaciones e instituciones durante tu vida adulta. Tú sabrás actuar, comunicar y cooperar apropiadamente. 3
IAAS annual review 2007-2008
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T h e Te a m
Before introducing myself I would like to express my thanks and great gratitude to all of you who have supported me so far!
Sebastian Oltmanns - President It is not only the trust you have expressed iand voting for my election but also the numerous supportive and motivating talks in the time prior to the Congress in Belarus. They have been indispensable for me and strengthened me in the decision to run for this equally exciting and ambitious position. Writing this short introduction, I am currently on an internship at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Cotonou, Benin. Here I am working in the field of entomology and pest control on organic cotton, a subject that I would like to write my final thesis about next spring. Until now, I have been studying agronomy at Bonn University, Germany. During my studies I focused especially on tropical and organic agriculture as well as on agricultural politics and resource management. As I have finished my required classes at
university already, I have the opportunity to devote a good deal of my time to our great association this year. Doing this I desire to carry further the fruitful impetus our former EC has contributed to IAAS with the aim of increasing the international acknowledgement of our association. Another focus for me will be to strengthen the African region of our association as I will spend a good deal of my term in Benin, and to improve student mobility for all our students. I also aim at broadening our scope of activities by continuously fostering new cooperation with other students associations and relevant institutions. I am totally excited and full of energy to meet you at many enjoyable and creative IAAS events, to work for and with all of you for our common goals and to share the fun and achievements in our big IAASFamily!
Stephanie Klaedtke - Vicepresident of partnership
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external institutions in the agricultural field. Of course, these are long-term goals not achievable in one year, but I do wish to work in that direction the best I can during my term as Vice-President for Partnership. I am very grateful to have been given your trust and the opportunity to participate in the functioning of our association on the international level. In the new EC, we all have been busy since our election in Belarus, reading documents and questioning the former EC in order to be as well prepared as possible for the new term. However, when I imagine next year’s GA, I also imagine how I will have finally met many of you during IAAS events and fruitful cooperation. I am looking forward to working, learning and having a great time with all of you! To a good year for IAAS and every one of its members!
I like to think of next year’s GA, imagining what we as new EC might have achieved until then. Hopefully, we will be able to continue in the line of good work of last year’s EC and further strengthen all areas of our association in the upcoming year.
I am now in fifth year of agronomy studies at the University of Bonn, in Germany. I am specialising mainly in the areas of tropical agriculture and plant breeding, with some agrarian economics and politics as well. Apart from studying, I have a student’s job working on our university’s experimental farm for organic agriculture. Having spent a semester in Costa Rica for an internship and studies at the Universidad de Costa Rica, I now have one year of classes left to accomplish in Bonn. After that, i.e. after the General Assembly in Guatemala, I hope to write my diploma thesis in the tropics. For the area of Partnership, I have a vision of IAAS not only as the largest life science organisation for students by students, but also as a students’ organisation that is known and heard by
IAAS annual review 2007-2008
Vincent Edjabou Maklawe -
Matthias Haeni -
Vicepresident of exchange
Vicepresident of finances Matthias Haeni has been an a c t i v e member of IAAS since 2004. He is currently in his fourth year of agricultural studies at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland and will most likely be able to graduate his Masters degree in Summer 2009. Interacting and working with great people on a global scale has always been a big dream of Matthias. As part of the IAAS Executive Committee of 2008/2009 he would like to not only keep the finances in a perfect condition, but also raise and fund great projects for the global IAAS and local committees all over the world.
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Executive committee 2008-2009
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It is an honor and great pleasure for me to be elected as Vice President of Exchange. Just after the world congress a good communication has been established with me and the Exchange Quality Board (EQB) members through skype online meetings, mails and phone calls. I n o r d e r t o k e e p t h e e x ch a n g e coordinators updated on the new changes in our Exchange Programme, the reviewed Exco guide will be very soon available for you to download from IAAS website. The next important step is to organize an Exco meeting. I am working very closely with EQB and in cooperation with some committees to organize very soon a first Exco regional meeting. It might probably take place in Croatia. But further information will be communicated later. Moreover, I encourage the Exchange Coordinators to do all their possible to attend IAAS regional and sub regional meetings what I believe are a great framework to meet students, to share experience and to promote our fantastic programme. You are welcome to sent yours questions and request for the Exchange Programme.
Carlos Avendaño - Vicepresident of communication It´s an honor to continue in the IAAS family and helping in providing the association of tools for new students. I´m finishing my degree as Agricultural Engineer and since 2004, when I began in IAAS I´ve been looking for a small contribution to young people mind and spirit. I´m sure that more students will be joining the IAAS network because since 1957 extraordinary agricultural students have been together, now it´s a chance to make even better and greater things; we have the tools, the means and the spirit, what are you waiting for?
Every year, during the General Assembly (wich takes place during the first days of IAAS World Congress), the delegates from all over the world vote to select the IAAS team for the ext year, it has 5 members in the executive committee and 3 members in the Control Committee. Feel free to contact us! Sebastian Oltmanns: president@iaasworld.org Stephanie Klaedtke: vppartnership@iaasworld.org Matthias Haeni: vpfinance@iaasworld.org Vincent Edjabou Maklawe: vpexchange@iaasworld.org Carlos Avendaño: vpcommunication@iaasworld.org
IAAS annual review 2007-2008
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Find IAAS The IAAS soon arriving to your country!
Americas ✴ ✴ ✴
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Guatemala Mexico United States
There are countries in the candidate list that soon will become part of IAAS, however, if you dont find your country yet but are interested in this field contact us and you´ll be able to attend some of our international events.
e.mail to: vpcommunication@iaasworld.org
IAAS annual review 2007-2008
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IAAS map
Europe ✴ ✴ ✴ ✴ ✴ ✴ ✴ ✴ ✴ ✴ ✴ ✴ ✴
Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Czech Republic Denmark Finland France Germany Greece Italy
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Lithuania Macedonia Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia Serbia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey Ukraine
Asia Africa ✴ ✴ ✴ ✴ ✴ ✴
Benin Ghana Nigeria Rwanda Togo Zimbabwe
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India Indonesia Georgia Thailand Tajikistan Uzbekistan
into you ...
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IAAS annual review 2007-2008
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Who are we? Today IAAS a non-governmental youth organization, independent of any international body, government or religion and has no political affiliation. Students in general agriculture, plant and animal production, agricultural economics, food sciences, forestry, landscape architecture, environmental sciences and biotechnology are all associated with IAAS. IAAS can reach over 150 000 students and is spread out in 80 local committees representing their faculties, in over 40 member countries. The association is non-political and not profit making.
What are our main activities? Annual World Congress: consisting of a General Assembly and seminar, is the yearly meeting of the governing body of IAAS. This meeting attracts our members from all over the world, and is usually organized in July-August and lasts for three weeks. Director’s Meetings and Regional Meetings: IAAS member countries are divided into different regions. Within these regions, meetings with different educational topics are held every year. Director’s meetings usually last longer and deal with important issues, Regional Meetings are more informal gatherings. Seminars and conferences: held by our local committees around the world to facilitate learning on a certain educational topic. You can even earn credits by attending some of our high-quality seminars – read more in this Annual Review! Exchange Program: has for years been the backbone of IAAS: it enables students to get practical experience by taking part in a traineeship or a farm, in an organization or in a company in another country. Broaden your horizons and complete your compulsory internship abroad – or gain priceless experience by learning more about life sciences in another country! Exchange weeks: are an excellent way for an IAAS committee to learn more about another country. The method is simple: two or more countries express their interest towards having an exchange week – the rest is up to the countries: a theme is chosen, and usually the participants only pay travel costs and sometimes a small participation fee. Art Festival: is a new concept developed by IAAS-Turkey and has now been hosted twice. It is an event that combines agriculture and arts in a very interactive way. 8
IAAS annual review 2007-2008
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25.06.2008 10:31:31 Uhr
IAAS annual review 2007-2008
“Seminar on the role of European agriculture in preserving biodiversity”
IAAS Bonn In May IAAS Bonn welcomed 15 participants to the event called “ Wa n t e d : A g r o d i v e r s i t y -
Seminar on the role of European agriculture in preserving biodiversity” .
We were most happy to meet people from Poland, Serbia, Finland, Belgium, Indonesia, Togo and Uzbekistan, some of them being on an internship with IAAS in Germany at the moment. From: 11.05.08 to 18.05.08
O
ur main focus was set on Agrodiversity, this is
diversity within agricultural production systems regarding both, animal husbandry as well as plant production. What are the benefits w e can draw from keeping a big genetic pool with old land races and breeds for our own good as well as for future generations? Why is this important for a sustainable development path and what are possible ways of saving species from extinction, how could it be financed? On the first day of the seminar, we took part in a big festival (Planet Diversity) and corresponding demonstration calling for the preservation of diversity, freedom of choice and independence from patented seeds etc. within the agricultural sector. This was to give the participants an overview on the debate and concerns in this field but also to make them critically question their own ideas. Other highlights of the program were most certainly the visit of 10
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the speciallace in close e x h i b i t i o n The seminar took p f the most c a l l e d relation to one o rnational “ A f r i c a ’ s important inte biodiversity wealth” that meetings regarding nvention on displayed the this year, the Co (CBD) and e x p l o r a t i o n , Biological Diversity na Protocol use a n d preceding Cartage B o n n . Th is conservation of o n B io sa fe ty in the impacts biodiversity in protocol concerns sibility issues t h e A f r i c a n and legal respon caused by context. This is regarding damages rganisms: d o the result of the genetically modifie co-existence research project Is there a possible tional and BIOTA and we b e t w e e n t r a d i engineered had the genetically e if so, what ar luck to agriculture and ns? have a the preconditio guided tour by one of the involved PhD students as well as frequent most practical input from our colleague from Togo! For the afternoon, we went to the experimental farm of the Institute for Organic Agriculture where our participants got an impression on the scientific background of this farming system as well as on some selected experiments.
IAAS annual review 2007-2008
We h a d lectures on old breeds in animal husbandry and research carried out with regard to their possible special nutritional or cultural value that might be an incentive to keep them in production and add value for the consumer. In the end, the underlying interest of researchers it to keep the genetic information for future breeding purposes. This was, again, discussed at the lecture on the potential use and value of old land races in agronomy and plant breeding. Here, the question was raised, if they should be kept ex-situ in gen banks or if it is necessary and more advantageous to maintain old species in-situ within production systems. It was interesting how different the opinions and ideas of our participants were in this regard.
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customs. The warm weather and open fire was very much appreciated by all of us, it was one of the best places to foster lasting friendships and get a glimpse of our fellows lives… The following day we had a guided bus tour through the national park organized in cooperation with the Institute of Phytogeography and Conservation. Here we had a look at the general issue of Biodiversity and its cultural values. Of course, we enjoyed our evenings, too! Taking advantage of the summer time we enjoyed lots of time in parks and at the river front where we also celebrated Sanja’s birthday. On the last day we all went to Cologne as we could not have A big “Thank You” to our guests miss this all participants for special place. We visited the cathedral this wonderful week, and historic parts of for your enthusiasm the city, some of us a n d i n t e r e s t a n d went to t h e active participation chocolate museum on our seminar topic! and others did shopping or stayed at the brewery. Here we also met Rémi from IAAS France and so we managed to have a complete regional meeting later on. For the night we went to a club to have a good work out and finally made our way back to Bonn.
Another part of the program, which should not be missed out here, was our excursion to the national park “Eifel”. For this event we also invited students from our university which was a great opportunity to share experiences and views in an informal way. We stayed at a small village in a guest house where we had our Trade Faire with all participants In the course of this week all of us got new ideas presenting their countries, national food and about the issues discussed as everybody gave their very special input and opinion. It was exciting to see how the discussions kept on even after a lecture or seminar and it was totally overwhelming how participants have been even taking up the topic of Agrodiversity to exchange ideas via email after the seminar! In the name of the Organizing Committee
Sebastian Oltmanns, 11
IAAS annual review 2007-2008
Mandates in international student organisations often last for merely one year. This one-yearp e r i o d i s a v e ry intensive time, during which the volunteers that have engaged themselves in leadership positions, often have to end their terms at the time when they have the most experience. In IAAS, we see strategy planning as a crucial part of the organization in order to achieve long-term goals. The Executive Committee of 2007/2008 put this vision in words: we are glad to present you the goals and values for the years 2009-2012.
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What determines IAAS in the future?
What are the values of IAAS? Before determining long-term visions, we need to know where we stand as an organisation. What kind of values does IAAS represent and what kind of actions do we support?
Equality Active citizenship Knowledge Sustainability Intercultural dialogue What do we want to achieve in the coming years? ✦Creating a platform for young people to take initiatives ✦Support our members in fulfilling their ideas on local, national and international level ✦Establishing a new, well-functioning website and a sustainable way for administrating it
✦ Improving the online information sources, such as IAASWiki, Expro and Alumni database ✦ Establishing a motivated IT-team, that would be responsible for the content and fundraising of the new website ✦ Informing our members more about funding sources, such as grants and foundations ✦ Involving more member countries and local committees in IAAS by the means of an efficient promotional plan, e.g. My Little IAAS Sister committee ✦ Inspiring people to take part in traineeships ✦ Increasing mobility within IAAS member countries ✦ Involving more people in international boards (Partnership Board, Communication board, Exchange Quality Board and new ones) ✦ Establishing a mailing list or a forum for informal discussion 12
IAAS annual review 2007-2008
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regions, member countries and other student organizations
higher education field of life sciences
✦E n c o u r a g i n g t h e ✦Start pilot projects in formation of innovative learning networks by and inspiring learning involving most active Service as a possibility for tools, such as games and committees ✦Increase the cooperation IAAS volunteer work competitions ✦I n c o r p o r a t e t h e with institutions of higher ✦Promoting leadership on international and local cooperation with our education to e.g. enable IAAS level by creating partners into the learning accreditation of IAAS engagement opportunities learning networks networks ✦Establishing an annual a n d ✦To e n h a n c e y o u n g tradition of training new ✦P r o m o t i n g informing members about p e o p l e ’ s c r i t i c a l board members g r a n t s a v a i l a b l e f o r u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f ✦Having one day devoted at the World Congress challenges in rural areas learning networks only for knowledge ✦Promoting the versatile ✦Continuing the tradition transfer and overlap for range of ideas in the o f h a v i n g a n I A A S new board members representative at the joint l e a r n i n g n e t wo r k s o f IFISO project, Leadership IAAS : corporate social Summer School. r e s p o n s i b i l i t y , ✦I n t r o d u c i n g t h e malnutrition, HIV, public E u r o p e a n V o l u n t a r y health etc. ✦Creating added value for students in the field of agricultural and related sciences all over the world ✦Creating a training network for IAAS ✦Organising training events that tackle most crucial issues in IAAS ✦C r e a t i n g p a r t n e r s h i p s w i t h o t h e r associations that are experienced in training, both on local and international level 13
Global Network
✦Establishing virtual learning networks ✦Cooperating with professional bodies, such as ICA, UNESCO and FAO, in the
the
✦Empowering young people with learning networks ✦Establishing non-formal, joint educational projects within the local committees,
IAAS annual review 2007-2008
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www.iaasworld.org to join the theater stage. Although our group really E n g a g e m e n t t h a t workers wanted to literally put them in the spotlight, most seasonal were very reserved. However, with the help of our r e a c h e s y o u t h i n r u r a l workers own simultaneous translators among the public, we managed involve those who joined the theater events, to decide a r e a s : t h e I A A S - w a y t o toabout the style, environment and emotion of small pieces of improvisation theater, brought by the participants. go! IAAS annual review 2007-2008
Example of a youth-in-action funded exchange: Sharing Rural diversity! IAAS has some special connection with rural areas. Because rural areas are full of opportunities and challenges. IAAS is the biggest network of students in agriculture in the world, and our organization has long tradition of organizing traineeships, development projects and other activities in rural areas. If our skills are combined with external partners, it becomes really interesting! To give one example, pharmaceutical/medical students and agricultural students started to talk about new initiatives for health sensitization in rural areas. And recently, a youth exchange has been organized by Polish, German, Turkish and Belgian students, to contribute to the social inclusion of seasonal workers in Belgium! From 5th till 12th of October 2008, 36 participants came together for ´Sharing rural diversity in a densely populated country´. In the first part of the exchange, participants built the team, established the intercultural dialogue, learned more about each other and thought together about issues such as problems of young people in rural areas. In the second part, the group went to Looz (Borgloon) in Hesbaye, a rural region famous for fruit in Belgium. There, the group interacted with seasonal workers. Turkish participants shared their exceptionally rich experience with theater and gave really inspiring theater workshops. The exchange was a really enriching experience, for everybody. Many new friendships were built, participants came so close to each other and learned from each other. The contact with seasonal workers made a lot of students to realize how lucky they are in life. Also, we could discover the power of theater and artistic expression as a means for intercultural dialogue. For the seasonal workers, it was also special since for many of them access to intercultural environments is limited. Seeing Polish young people together with German, Turkish and Belgian young people, while having fun and working together, is not what they experience every day. Also, local organizations in Belgium usually do not have the ability to organize activities for seasonal workers because of the language barrier. Our Turkish and Polish participants helped us to communicate really well! Magda and Maciek (Poland) admit that it was quite challenging to get in touch with seasonal workers.“We could not predict how the first interaction with the group would be. The group decided to prepare Polish potato cakes. Most of the seasonal workers do have a drastically different background and lifestyle. While being in Belgium, they work from 6am in the morning till 6 pm in the evening, eat and go to bed at 9pm. The first contacts during the evenings were though very successful. Much harder was it though, to motivate seasonal 15
Special thanks to all participants for their input, Gijs and the Belgian teams, to Susanne and her team, Magda Janiszek and her team, Orcün & Co, the cooks and all those who have been inspired! Murat Kutay also made a lot of video recording which can be found via our website! www.iaasworld.org
Wouter Geurts
VP Exchange 2006-2007 and 2007-2008
Challenges and opportunities for young people in rural areas Challenges ➡ Young people in rural areas experience social, economical and cultural obstacles (lower levels of income, unemployment). ➡ In some countries, young people leave rural areas ➡ Young people in rural areas can enjoy less opportunities for non-formal learning. Less opportunities and less access to culture. ➡ For minorities and foreigners t is often hard to integrate. ➡ Often, gender equality in rural areas is still an issue Opportunities: ★Opportunities to contribute to the wellbeing of young people in rural environments ★People in rural areas often have a strong sense of identity Easy to get attention/cooperation when organizing projects, and to build up good contact people in rural are usually living more in harmony with their environment Get inspired for initiatives in rural areas together with IAAS! What can you do? http://www.salto-youth.net/ download/1454/VillageInternational.pdf (source: Salto)
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IAAS annual review 2007-2008
Extracurricular activities take time away from your studies, but you earn it back"
By Laura KihlstrĂśm
Teaching over 250 students every year, Harri Westermarck is a very loved professor at the University of Helsinki, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry. His topic, extension education, is recommended for all students despite their various educational backgrounds. He has been training our members at two IAAS events in Finland.
I have been privileged to meet young, outstanding student leaders at two different IAAS meetings here in Helsinki. This kind of international cooperation has impact in making the world a better place. Training young students to become future leaders is essential.
A
leader
sh o u l d
sh o w
In your own study time, did you spend a lot of time in extracurricular activities? About a hundred years ago, when I was still a student, I was active in the board of a student organisation called Sampsa here at our faculty. Currently I am the "godfather" of the Agricultural Students Union, I've been in this position for 15 years now. I am also active in Lions International.
re a new futu the vision, ould le. He sh to the peop nd , help a e t a v i t o m the t also see support, bu d. outer worl
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time away from your studies, but you earn it back. Some students like to go through their studies quickly, but if you can afford it and take part in extra-curricular activities, show leadership - it will reward you.
What makes a student competitive on the work market after graduation? Which features?
Interview with Harri Westermarck
What is your relation to IAAS?
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The graduate should be able to communicate with other people, be outward-looking, have soft skills, the right attitude towards people and have a customer attitude. The professionalism of any graduate is determined at the knowledge and the skills of extending that knowledge to other people. One's value is always estimated to other people. If you are not useful to people, you are not useful at all. Competence is needed, but the basic philosophy has to go to the magic "Why?" question: the answer should be helping clients and improving society. Remember as a student not to read merely subjects from your own field. I am worried that agricultural students only know about agriculture. Students should study to understand the big picture.
What are the most important Do you believe features in a that activity in leader? student A leader should show the vision, a organisations new future to the people. He should has positive motivate, help and support, but also c o r r e l a t i o n t o see the outer world. A leader has success in strong values and can show people: "this is the direction we are going working life? to". A leader can show the end, the Absolutely. It takes some result, and should be able to get
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people to work the end in their minds. A leader should also do the follow-up and read a lot to be upto-date.
How can one develop leadership skills? B y h av i n g d i f f e r e n t k i n d o f leadership experiences, by finding our impact on society. By gaining experience, and by having a noble goal. By joining student activities.
Are some people born to be leaders, or can one grow into it? Leadership can be grown into. However, the culture you have at your home plays an important role: it gives you the orientation you have for life. You can develop yourself to become a leader but you have to have the right attitude to be worth following.
What kind of advice do you give to our members working in leader positions? If you work with many different cultures, try to find the best practices from different countries: avoid "nice-to-know information", instead try to understand the conceptual information, the reason why somebody is working like they are. Learn how to handle certain problematic issues. Working in a multicultural environment is a great experience. Try to avoid looking things only on the surface, you don't usually have time for this: try to go deeper, is there anything you could learn from that person?
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What is your best memory from study times? When I was a student, I spent 1,5 years at Iowa State University. It broadened my way of teaching, and formed my attitude towards university time more than anything. A great experience was also a 1year practical training done on a Finnish farm. I was from the city, so it was all new to me. I broke a couple of tractors, but learned loads.
Do you have any special greetings to our readers? Have fun, be open - but also see IAAS as on opportunity to learn. Don't be afraid of old professors. Show them that you can affect the curriculum and that you have visions, then show that you can fight for it.
IAAS Expro Stories
From Finland to Germany Hey, my name is Terhi.jaaskelainen. During the summer of 2007 I stayed in Germany at the Schäferhof, an organic sheep farm. At the time they had 250 sheep. 180 of them were milked twice a day during the summer. The milk is converted into fresh cheese, feta and yoghurt. For two months I involved in milking work, clean the stable, help with the animal transports and product sales. If I had extra time I also helped in cheese and yoghurt making and packing. Though my working period was a hard work it was also a lot of fun. I got to know a part of animal production that is not common in Finland. While learning new things I also managed to improve my German.
IAAS annual review 2007-2008
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“International experience is gaining increasing importance for careers today” Interview with Prof. Dr. Léon, University of Bonn, Germany Stephanie Klaedtke, LD IAAS Bonn Sebastian Oltmanns, ND IAAS Germany
Prof. Dr. Léon holds the chair of plant breeding at the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Bonn since 1996 and is the current Dean of our faculty. He studied Agricultural Sciences at the University of Kiel where he discovered his interest in plant breeding during an internship at a breeding station. Following this interest he graduated, did his PhD and, after doing research as an assistant for plant breeding at his university, he did his habilitation which served as a gateway for his academic career. Apart from being the Dean of our Agricultural Faculty, you hold the Chair of Plant Breeding at the University of Bonn. Where do you see the particular appeal of this field, especially with regard to future developments?
chance to spend a few months in the USA and Canada. We had the opportunity to visit Iowa State University, the University of Davis, California and the University of Vancouver, all of them having strong faculties of agriculture or biology. This was very interesting and during my PhD I thought about going back to Iowa State University for post doctorate studies. However, I was asked to take the position as an assistant at my university, which offered a good start for my career and made me stay in Kiel, Germany. The key event has certainly been the professorship here in Bonn, which was a great chance for me to do my own research and to continue the career.
Plant breeding is one of the drivers of improving plants and agriculture. Only a combination of better cultivars and improved environment will lead to a success in agriculture. It is, in fact, better to change the genotype and leave the environments more or less as they are. This way, breeding managed to improve crops by 1% annually with respect to yield and some other Which traits.
and agriculture in other countries in research stations like those belonging to the CGIAR. Another way to learn about the structures of agriculture in other countries is to realize the opportunity to do internships on farms. International experience is gaining increasing importance for careers today, especially the language and cultural aspects, as it is possible to learn a lot about research in your respective home country.
W h a t d o e s t h e University of Bonn h a v e t o o f f e r c o n c e r n i n g i n t e r n a t i o n a l experience, how does advantages do i t p r o m o t e t h e s e you see for students options? g a i n The Erasmus program allows our Which were the key events w h o i n t e r n a t i o n a l students to study in partner during your studies and career? , e x p e r i e n c e ? universities in other European Did you spend time at countries. Another possibility is to internships or studies abroad One big advantage is learning new choose your own way abroad for languages and gaining experience during your time at university? your thesis. Our faculty and with different cultures. university helps students on both I would like to answer the second Apart from that, a lot can be learned options, by running an Erasmus question first: As a student I had the about the organization of research 18
IAAS annual review 2007-2008
universities in other European countries. Another possibility is to choose your own way abroad for your thesis. Our faculty and university helps students on both options, by running an Erasmus bureau or helping to get contacts to researchers abroad who might help with a respective thesis topic. Our students in the ARTS-program (Agricultural Science and Resource Management in the Tropics and Subtropics) are also asked to complete the practical part of their thesis abroad, in international research stations for example.
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Study long and hard, but remember that the importance lies in the combination of both! Although it is true that employees The work of a Dean is very time are looking increasingly at the consuming. Being Dean, I can´t d u r a t i o n o f t h e i r p o t e n t i a l even do my work in my institute as employees studies. intensively as I normally would, so you can imagine that it is difficult to The second advice I have is to have combine all of this with family life. a good look at all possible subjects, However, the work of a regular and when you find one that you professor, that is without having the really like, work on it. Don´t think additional tasks of a Dean, has the too much about the career chances advantage that you can organize it might bring: If you find a work your own time. On top of this, you you truly enjoy, you will be good can do your research work on and successful at it! topics that really interest you, and that helps a lot. Thank you very much for this
difficult to reconcile family life and professional career?
In addition, our faculty supports the interview, Prof. Léon. Our member local IAAS group, which in turn D o y o u h a v e a n y students will certainly enjoy reading helps interested students to find a d v i c e y o u w o u l d it and benefit from your advice. adequate internships abroad. l i k e t o g i v e o u r
member students from
In the actual context of the a l l o v e r t h e w o r l d ? academic (agricultural) field of work, do you consider it Yes, I have two advices I would like
to give. The first was given to me by a plant breeder I worked with:
Agricultural Sciences & Resource Management in the Tropics & Subtropics - ARTS A top-10 international MSc program in the UN-city of Bonn
You want to... ❖contribute to international development? ❖be a leader in agricultural sciences? ❖work in international agricultural research?
Excellence in research & teaching ❖Research-oriented training ❖Interdisciplinary lectures ❖Research abroad ❖Cultural activities Our network ✤>100 NGOs ✤ 5 CGIAR centers ✤ 17 UN secretariates
✤ Alumni association worldwide 19
You wish to know more ...
www.arts.uni-bonn.de
IAAS annual review 2007-2008
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My experience in IAAS allows one to be able to expand their knowledge about it, but hands-on learning allows one to actually experience and to understand how each disciplines contributes to the overall picture of agriculture. These hands-on experiences can provide a different or better perspective about a discipline or a country and help correct a n y
of this community, you have the chance to meet amazing individuals who are very welcoming and eager to meet new people and make new IAAS…agriculture, learning, friends. Being a student ran culture, and amazing people are organization; everyone comes a few of the many thoughts that with an open-mind and is ready come to my mind about this to hear your point of view and to organization. My first experience also give theirs. Everyone in with IAAS will also be one of my IAAS is there to learn, but are most memorable memories. The also there to have a good time, atmosphere of IAAS provides an even if that means getting excellent learning environment These hands-on experiences can the odd look a few times (i.e. a n d a g r e a t l e a r n i n g provide a different or better doing an energizer song in opportunity for anyone who is perspective about a discipline or a the most public places, looking to expand their way of taking the most touristy country and help correct any thinking or to challenge others. photos or getting 3 hrs of stereotypes that students may IAAS is about exchanging sleep and still being have. And the learning just productive and cheery the experience, knowledge and ideas, and it does just that. doesn’t stop at agriculture. With next day). The best part of Conferences and seminars each individual also comes their IAAS is that the people you allow guest lectures from each culture and traditions. There are meet now will remain your discipline in agriculture to friends or as close friends provide information on current a few places that I know of where throughout your life. There situations or research related to you can learn about 10 different is nothing more that makes their field. This may be countries under one roof in one my day then getting a research projects that they, night... random Facebook message themselves are involved in or from one of them. situations that are affecting their stereotypes that If you want to travel, experience And the new things, make friends or are country, other countries or the students may have. learning just doesn’t stop at up for a new challenge, IAAS is world. These information sessions can be beneficial to students who agriculture. With each individual the organization for you. I hope are either looking to further their also comes their culture and to meet other IAASians in the education either in a Masters or traditions. There are a few places near future. Doctors program or those who are that I know of where you can learn about 10 different countries looking for future jobs. under one roof in one night. IAAS goes beyond the traditional learning style of lecturing in a And just when you thought that Canada classroom by allowing students to this organization couldn’t get any Melanie got her degree in the University of experience different disciplines better, it does! Being part of IAAS Saskatchewan, Canada some moths ago, she had the opportunity to attend to the Art Festival in hands-on in various countries. means you become part of a Chicago. We hope that soon we hear about IAAS Learning about other disciplines larger community. As a member in Canada!
Melanie Adair
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Th e I A A S e x ch a n g e p r o g ra m Discover, experience and learn!
The IAAS exchange program gives opportunities 588 students to students to do a traineeship in another Number of applicants country. With the IAAS exchange program or ‘Expro’, students can learn and experience 203 students Total amount of things that cannot be learned out of course (34%) books. Already for more than 50 years, IAAS applicants, accepted by ‘Expro’ is one of the most powerful tools of local committee IAAS to provide high quality non-formal Belarus, Belgium, Ghana, learning. For partner-organisations, the Top 5 countries in Indonesia, Ukraine. exchange program is the ultimate way to find sending students: highly motivated trainees from over 40 countries from all continents. Feel the heartbeat Top 5 countries in Austria, Switzerland, of the world! Our teams approach partners in a accepting students: Germany, Togo, Belgium. personalised way and know how to work on good long-term relationships. Also, IAAS will Top 5 countries strongest Finland, India, Turkey, involve the exchange network in the future to Poland, Mexico. growers involve students in projects. Since the World Congress in Malaysia (July 2006), IAAS has increased its focus on the deliverables from our Expro teams. IAAS Expro relies on initiatives of many individual student volunteers on the local level, and the 4 of partners (farmers, organisations and universities). More information on application and participation in the exchange program can be found in the Expro Guide, an accessible guide that summarises all important rules and guidelines for all stake-holders of the exchange program. The IAAS exchange program can be split up in two programs:
The Ceres program : Internships in farms and agricultural companies.
The Archimedes program:
Internships in companies and research institutions, related with education, research, e n g i n e e r i n g , management and development.
More information on the IAAS exchange program? Check the IAAS expro guide, available on www.iaasworld.org Questions? Contact the IAAS Exchange Quality B o a r d : iaas.eqb@gmail.com
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Energy efficiency of agroforestry crops for biofuel production Case study: Jatropha curcas by Sebastian Oltmanns Jatropha curcas L. is on of approximately 175 other succulent plants that belong to the genus Jatropha within the family Euphorbiaceae. It is probably native to Central America but has been cultivated in most tropical and subtropical areas for a long time already. J. curcas is a multipurpose species with many attributes and considerable potential with the oil from the seeds being potentially the most valuable end product. It has been recently cited as one of the best candidates for future biodiesel production but despite its abundance and wide use as an oil and reclamation plant J. curcas has yet to be properly domesticated. So there is still a big genetic diversity of the crop and a considerable lack of research data, which make it 22
hard to evaluate J. curcas as a energy crop on a global scale.
Current developments The concept of substituting biodiesel produced from J. curcas plantations on eroded soils for conventional diesel fuel has gained widespread attention especially since it is drought resistant and can potentially be used to produce oil from marginal semiarid lands, without competing with food crops. Production and processing of J.curcas oil is relatively easy compared to more advanced concepts such as the fuel cell technology. And its final product, biodiesel, can be used in today's vehicle fleets already. This is why it may offer a viable path to sustainable transportation, combining lower greenhouse gas emissions and enhanced mobility, even in remote and less developed areas. Creating rural employment and development as well as d e c r e a s i n g a c o u n t r y ’s dependency on costly fuel imports are some of the most important macro economic reasons for launching big jatropha projects: at the moment India is perhaps the most important player in biodiesel production from
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The following represents a collection of information from different sources with the purpose of informing the youth community about this issue. The sources include wikipedia.org The Environmental Protection Agency. energystar.gov
Did you know... Global warming refers to an average increase in the Earth’s temperature, which in turn causes changes in climate. A warmer Earth may lead to changes in rainfall patterns, a rise in sea level, and a wide range of impacts on plants, wildlife, and humans. When scientists talk about the issue of climate change, their concern is about global warming caused by human activities. Effects of global warming There are two major effects of global warming: Increase of temperature on the earth by about 3° to 5° C (34° to 41° Fahrenheit) by the year 2100. Rise of sea levels by at least 25 meters (82 feet) by the year 2100. C h a n g e s i n t e m p e ra t u r e a n d precipitation patterns have also global effects on extreme weather events: They increase the frequency, duration, and intensity of floods, droughts, heat waves, and tornadoes. Other effects of global warming include higher or lower agricultural yields, further glacial retreat, reduced summer stream flows, species extinctions. As further effects of global warming, diseases like malaria are returning into a rea s w h e re t h e y h a v e b e e n extinguished earlier. Even if the global warming effects would convince mankind to stop emitting greenhouse gases, the global warming is expected to continue past 2100 because carbon dioxide (CO2) has an estimated atmospheric lifetime of 50 to 200 years. Cause of global warming Almost 100% of the observed temperature increase over the last 50 years has been due to the increase in the atmosphere of greenhouse gas concentrations like water vapour, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane and ozone. Greenhouse gases are those g a s e s t h at co n t r i b u te to t h e greenhouse effect (see below). The
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jatropha oil. Its goal to achieve energy independence by the year 2012 counts strongly on J. curcas as a crucial component of its e n e r g y p o l i c y. H o w e v e r, international joint ventures like D1 Mohan Bio Oils have strong economic interests, too. It has set a target of 5 million ha to be cultivated in India within the next 5 years and calculates with a potential yield of up to 6 t/acre (almost 15 t/ha) and 55% oil extraction. Although there is certainly a big potential in improving yields and oil content of J. curcas by breeding and using adequate cultivation practices, the mentioned yield estimates seem to be highly exaggerated, though. Henning et al. calculated the costs of biodiesel production from Jatropha in India finding that it would break even at 43 U S $ / b a r r e l . H o w e v e r, t h e underlying oil yield estimates of 3000 kg/ha are only possible in high input systems. Under marginal conditions only oil yields of about 600 kg/ha are realistic which would change the calculations rather drastically. Another issue that seems important in this discussion is that one of the most important arguments for the use of Jatropha oil for biodiesel production is the 23
fact that is does not compete with food crops as it is grown on marginal soils. This holds true especially for India with its deficiency in edible oils which is the reason why non-edible oil is the main choice for producing biodiesel. High input systems for jatropha oil production do not seem to be in line with these good intentions.
Life Cycle Assessment There are two different ways of conducting a life cycle assessment that can be found in literature: One focuses on the total costs that occur "from cradle to grave of the project". This would include all expenditures and environmental costs related to the production, processing and consumption of a good and could even be complimented by other tools such as external-cost analysis. The net Energy Ration (NER) is another way of assessing the true potential of biofuels. The NER gives the energy output divided by energy input, thus focusing directly on the energy efficiency of a biofuel system without taking financial considerations into account.
www.iaasworld.org largest contributing source of greenhouse gas is the burning of fossil fuels leading to the emission of carbon dioxide. The greenhouse effect When sunlight reaches Earth’s surface some is absorbed and warms the earth and most of the rest is radiated back to the atmosphere at a longer wavelength than the sun light. Some of these longer wavelengths are absorbed by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere before they are lost to space. The absorption of this long wave radiant energy warms the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases act like a mirror and reflect back to the Earth some of the heat energy which would otherwise be lost to space. The reflecting back of heat energy by the atmosphere is called the “greenhouse effect”. The major natural greenhouse gases are water vapor, which causes about 36-70% of the greenhouse effect on Earth (not including clouds); carbon dioxide CO2, which causes 9-26%; methane, which causes 4-9%, and ozone, which causes 3-7%. It is not possible to state that a certain gas causes a certain percentage of the greenhouse effect, because the influences of the various gases are not additive. Other greenhouse gases include, but are not limited to, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, hydro fluorocarbons, per fluorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons. Personal responsibility No doubt, you and I are responsible for the climate change, too. The following testimonies are typical: Me alone, I cannot change anything, why should I then change my personal behavior? I respect the laws, I don’t do anything illegal. I am not against your saving energy, but leave me in peace with your ideas. My energy requirement is modest. I won’t change before the big polluters have changed their behavior. T h e s e d e c l a ra t i o n s s h a r e a fundamentally wrong assumption that we are not fully responsible for what we do. But the contrary is true: We are indeed fully responsible for everything we do or do not do! The fact that we don’t get fined or taken into prison for certain deeds does by far not mean that these deeds do not have a big impact on our personal future life.
IAAS annual review 2007-2008
In his booklet “Physic nut” Mr. Heller refers to unpublished studies of G.F. van Grieken that found the NER of biodiesel from J.curcsa to be at 5.2. This is a rather positive value compared to USDA figures for soy-biodiesel of 3.2 but as J. curcas is a permanent crop high energy costs of planting and tillage can be avoided (Sugarcane-ethanol has with 8-9 the highest NER values). Unfortunately, there is still very little work done on Life Cycle Assessments with regard to J. curcas. Prueksakorn et al. (2006) did a life cycle assessment of J.curcas for biofuel production in Thailand and its results will be discussed briefly: The crop density was considered to be 5000 plants/ha, ploughing and harrowing was used as land preparation, fertilizer application consisted of 94 kg N/ha, annual rainfall was 860 mm (8600m³/ ha) and additional irrigation was at 45000m³/ha. Diesel requirements per ha for tillage and irrigation was 220L. A concept similar to an annual crop was applied in this assessment with Jatropha plants being cut every year for value added as biomass in wood, leaves etc. and the plantation to be replaced every five years. The 24
consequent yields were seeds: 5 t/ha, wood: 25 t/ha and leaves: 12.5 t/ha. For the energy output not only the yield of 1250L / ha biodiesel was considered but also the energy gained from the co-products wood, leaves and press cake (3,75 t/ha). The results can be seen in figure 5 and 6. Regarding energy consumption the highest values are from esterification (steam production), for fertilization and for pumping for irrigation (353, 198 and 205 MJ per GJ of produced Jatropha methyl ester respectively). This raises the question if the oil should not rather be used as straight vegetable oil instead of biodiesel and to what extend one can reduce both, irrigation and fertilization without compromising too much on the yield. Calculating the NERs from this findings is as follows: N E RJME o f b i o d i e s e l f r o m Jatropha only (JME): 1000MJ / 884MJ = 1.13 N E Rseed o f t h e t o t a l s e e d (including biodiesel, presscake, glycerine and coat): 6946 / 884 = 7.9 NERtotal total 18883 MJ / 884 MJ = 21.4
www.iaasworld.org Deeds are more important than words, start now! If you afford it, drive an energyefficient car. Hybrids, cars that run on both gasoline and electricity, are the most fuel-efficient cars according to Consumer Reports. Use the public transportation, ride the bicycle. Buy energy-efficient appliances. Look for the blue Energy Star label or visit www.energystar.gov. Use energy-saving light bulbs. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if every American household replaced 5 of their current light bulbs with 5 compact fluorescent light bulbs, it would save as much energy as if we took 8 million cars off the roads.
SUSHANT KUDESIA INDIA
It is clear that NERJME is not a representative value as is does not take be energetic potential of the co-products into account that are even higher than that of biodiesel itself. NERseed might give a good indication of the input/output ratio of biodiesel production form J . c u rc a s although it seems very high compared to USDA figures for bioethanol from sugarcane of NER 8-9 (see above). However, this results should only be used for the specific situation they have been derived from as long as there is no further data verifying it under other climatic conditions and management regimes. It seems unrealistic to chop down a plantation every year and to replant every 5 years considering the fact that J. curcas
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reaches its maximum production only in the fifth year. NERtotal, therefore, has to be considered carefully.
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Recommendations / Perspectives J. J. Curcas has most certainly a big potential for future fuel production and wasteland reclamation especially taking the increasing oil prices into account. However it will not be the final and only solution to our energy problem as seems to be suggested at times. Neither the hardiness of the plant concerning its cultivation nor the toxicity of Jatropha that makes it non-edible prevent its cultivation from potentially competing with food crops. This is due to the fact that with regard to financial viability plantations in marginal areas can not compete with high input systems. Secondly, nontoxic varieties of J. curcas do exist and the seed cake can be detoxified which both challenges biodiesel production form Jatropha to not compete with food crops.
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Selected references: Heller, Joachim. (1996): Physic nut. Jatropha curcas L. Promoting the conservation and use of underutilised and neglected crops. 1. Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, Gatersleben/ International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, Rome. Louis Strydom (2006): Biodiesel vs. Bioethanol, Ecoworld, www.ecoworld.com De Nocker, N. et al. 1998): Comparison of LCA and external cost analysis for biodiesel and diesel. Presented at 2nd International 25
conference LCA in Agriculture, AgroI n d u s t r y a n d Fo r e s t r y. www.senternovem.nl/mmfiles/ 30743_tcm24-124248.pdf Kritana Prueksakorn and Shabbir H. Gheewala (2006): Energy and Greenhouse Gas Implications of Biodiesel Production from Jatropha c u r c a s L . , a t t h e 2nd J o i n t International Conference on “Sustainable Energy and Environment” in Bangkok Henning: www.jatrophabiodiesel.org
D1 Mohan Bio Oils http:// greenbusinesscentre.com/images/ Photos/Alt57.pdf USDA http://www.ipsard.gov.vn News/Hoithao/energy%20outlook/ hosein-shapouri.pdf
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I A A S Regional Directors 2007-2008
Southern European Region
Eastern European Region
Mattias Persson I am Pepita Migliaccio Three years in IAAS a Greek-Italian from and still single! How G re e ce. I a m the is it possible? As the d i re cto r o f s o u t h Regional Director of Europe since March the Eastern of 2008. Some of you European region it have already met me should not be hard before but for the to find a soulmate, a rest that you don’t girlfriend with a warm heart and a travel know me at all, I am 23 years old, member of companion. But it’s true that you don’t IAAS since 2005 and I m studying (I bring food to the restaurant, so I hope in September I’ll change the One suppose I will go alone next time v e r b t e n s e t o p a s t ! ! !) important part of as well ;-). But IAAS is so much Agriculture and Food Science the International more than beautiful girls, boys in Athens. Association of Students in and lovely kisses from Our region consist from countries that maybe they Agricultural and Related Sciences wonderful people. It’s a great chance to “exchange are in some cases a bit far are the Regional Directors; they experience, knowledge and away but they all have play an important role in IAAS ideas” in our field of many similarities in way structure, development and control. agriculture and related of life, way of thinking, Here you can read something science. My science is agriculture, culture… they are all sunny, tourist, with about the profile of our Regional agriculture in the faculty of plants and soil and I am a t h o u s a n d s o f i s l a n d s, Directors located around student in Uppsala, Sweden. To beaches, bureaucracy(), all the world! be a part of a giant organization producing wine, olive-oil etc. such as this in the same field as my The most recent big event we have studies will definitive be a help for me in hosted was the EDM in Greece this the future on a international level. Earth is an winter and before that the Art Festival 2007 interesting place to explore. For people like you in Turkey. and me who love to travel abroad and meet other Looking forward for an Art Festival one day cultures and see places you only dreamed of, IAAS because we have to show you so many things is the way to go. Our worldwide association is full from our ancient (and current) civilization :-) of guides, who will show us the gold pieces of their own country. Some of my best friends are IAASfriends and I am sure that I will keep in touch with these wonderful people, even when I’m not an active member.
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Central-Eastern European region
actively working with my colleague students. IAAS has and still is one of the best experiences of my life, for Hey to all IAASers, my name is all the beautiful people, Maja Žulj, and I’m the current amazing places, and above all regional director of Centralbecause of the inspiration and Eastern European region. all the knowledge it’s providing This task was appointed to me me. I have participated in great in WoCo 2007., held in number of all sort of IAAS Germany and Switzerland. activities like EDM in Poland, I’m IV year student of Faculty WoCo in Germany and of Agriculture, University of Switzerland, exchange weeks Zagreb in Croatia. This is also with Belgium and Slovenia. my hometown, where I’ve been Central-Eastern European successfully living for the last region includes following 23 years. countries: Austria, Bosnia and My specialization is pomology, Herzegovina, Croatia, viticulture and enology. IAAS Macedonia (FYROM), Serbia, Croatia is my „companion“ from Slovenia and Switzerland. 2006. and for the last two years In April 2008. IAAS Croatia was I’ve been vicepresident (for the host of Subregional projects and partnership) and Meeting, combined with seminar : „Wine and aromatic
Africa region Akorede Taiwo Olabisi Onabanjo University, College of Agriculture Sciences, Nigeria akoredetoa@yahoo.com +2348024209291
I was born in August 31 st. A g ra d u ate o f A g r i c u l t u ra l Economics at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria. My lovely journey in to the IAAS FAMILY started in December 2004 when I attended the IAAS Africa Directors Meeting in Nigeria. I was there that I make up my mind that this is the family I have wanted all my life. As the President of Nigerian Association of Agricultural Students (Olabisi Onabanjo University Chapter), I went back to my university where I liaised with the university and 27
registered the association in my university. Afterwards, I became the IAAS Local Director in the year 2005, where I took the association to a greater height without jeopardizing the association constitution and bye laws. My participation at the 48 th IAAS World Congress in Togo and Ghana 2005 further insights and recognition into t h e a ss o c i at i o n , co s t h e meeting was attended by members all over the world and the always cherish the time I spent with them all, I always remember you guys. Memories of the IAAS Africa Directors Meeting in Benin Republic 2005 still lingers on in me, and this confirms that there is need for students to come together and share ideas about individuals, culture and
plants: taste of harmony in Croatia“ with the representatives from Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia and Switzerland. Conclusion is that countries present on SRM are very active, and activity of the rest of the countries is not so good. My future plans include stronger communication and better integration of all member countries.
experiences. Thank you guys for those wonderful experiences. The 49 th IAAS World Congress in Malaysia 2006 was a very wonderful and interesting as these displays interesting programmes such as the university fair etc. I met other members of the family there and we had a great time together in that wonderful country in Asia, especially the
IAAS annual review 2007-2008
Long Houses on the Island of Borneo. I love you guys. At the IAAS Africa Directors Meeting in Togo 2007, I became the IAAS AFRICA DIRECTOR; the office had
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g i v e n m e a l e a d e r s h i p Thank you guys for being exposure on a continental there. basis. Thanks to all the supportive members of the To all IAAS FAMILY MEMBERS association in Africa cannot all over the world, I love you over emphasize. guys.
Americas Region Carlos Avendaño Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios A feeling that lasts and a spirit that becomes stronger every time we think about it; Since I was involved for the first time in IAAS I can confirm this every day and my experience in the a ss o c i at i o n , b e ca u s e i t ´ s something that makes an effect in all your life: all the wonderful people, amazing places, friendships, the diversity of cultures, ways to l i v e t h e a g r i c u l t u re a n d knowledge are things that encouraged me to continue here. My first contact with IAAS was on 47th WoCo, 2004 and by that times IAAS Mexico wasn´t in very good standing, and the ideas and IAAS spirit that I learned there kept us alive in those moments.
M e x i c o, that was a very good year for our country, among many things a good group was made for representing our country in the 50 th WoCo in GermanySwitzerland. The first directors meeting in Guatemala in February 2008 was a great experience and here our team confirmed what we wanted to do for a long time: a world congress. Even when we won (Guatemala and Mexico) before, in this DMA we realized of some of the things that this team can make together, after all we all share the same spirit of improving and doing something more.
wonderful moments with all the IAAS people, I´ve renewed more my spirit in this association. I never get tired about telling to colleagues about the benefits of having in the society students with this profile, a very special touch that IAAS gives to the future leaders in this field. new *T h e r e g i o n a l Director for the Americas is Emily Eggleston, student from Iowa State University, USA. You can contact her at: rd@iaasamericas.com
After attending the 2 nd IAAS After summer 2006 I was Agriculture and Arts festival in national director of IAAS in t h e U S A a n d s h a r i n g
Asia Region Harish Pal It is great pleasure to write to you all at this time. We are almost at the end of another successful IAAS year and I must say congratulation to all who have made this year the success it is. 28
In review, I must say the year was hectic for everyone. Past 10 months have been both exciting and productive for IAAS. We all faced numerous challenges, which we met without reservation and were
triumphant. I must say a big thank you to the executive team of 2 0 07 -2 0 0 8
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for the support and encouragement shared among us as well as the support extended to our member association. thank you to the executive team of 2007-2008 for the support and encouragement shared among us as well as the support extended to our member association. I remember my first IAAS congress in Malaysia 2006. It was memorable, energetic and motivating. First time I met the international friends, learned about the education, culture and lifestyle different country. After this World Congress I also participated in EDM 2006 in
North – Western European Region
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P o l a n d, i t w a s a l s o a n unforgettable experience for me as I was celebrating NEW YEAR out of my country first time.
working with more enthusiasm and energy to promote IAAS in my region. I sent the e-mails to different universities in Asian countries, I got some reply Last year I attend our 50th IAAS from them and hopefully in the World Congress, which was future they will also be part of h e l d i n G e r m a n y a n d IAAS. Switzerland and I got another I would like to encourage all opportunity to meet all IAAS committees to keep the IAAS friends again. The hospitality & f l a m e b u r n i n g . Co n t i n u e care was excellent there. I must working hard in promoting the say thank you to the OC for interest of agrarian students such a wonderful experience worldwide. Continue to make there. During General Assembly IAAS the best. we elected our new EC & CC Keep the IAAS flame alight. and I was honoured to become part of CC. After I came back Yours in IAAS family from World Congress I started
great opportunity to find out more how IAAS works. All those activities give me a necessary experience to run for Magdalena Dzięgielewska Regional Director position, Belgium, France, Germany, the which is a great award and distinction for all RDs. During Monday to Friday I am a Netherlands, Poland. student of Management and My first steps in IAAS were My best IAAS experience was a Production Engineering course during Exchange Week in trekking in rain forest in in Warsaw University of Life Belgium. After that meeting I Malaysia and setting baby Sciences. I really enjoy my have caught IAAS spirit, which turtles free in Tioman Island s t u d i e s a n d a l l w h a t i s has being motivated me to do during IAAS World Congress in connected with them, living in several activities under IAAS’s Malaysia 2006/2007 – bravo dormitory as well wings. Since 2005 I have been Danish committee! a n A m b a s s a d o r P r o g ra m IAAS is a great experience and a Wind energy, ecology, CSR are C o o r d i n a t o r , L e a d e r o f great chance to meet fantastic interests which I am spreading Responsible Business League young people from all over the kind of IAAS. What is more I and then IAAS Poland National world. With some of you guys I really enjoy walking barefoot Director. During my cadency have amazing memories and I on the grass, watching Woody I AAS E u ro p ea n D i re ct o rs know that I can rely on you no A l l e n ’ s m o v i e s, e a t i n g Meeting 2006/2007 took place, matter what. IAAS – connecting R o q u efo rt at 3 a. m . a n d listening music from different when more than one hundred people… parts of the globe. people participated and had a
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Come to study in the heart of Europe! Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CULS) The Czech University of Life Sciences consists of the following faculties and institutes:
FACULTIES Faculty of Economics and Management (FEM) www.pef.czu.cz Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources (FAFNR) www.af.czu.cz Faculty of Engineering (FE) www.tf.czu.cz Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences (FFWS) www.fld.czu.cz Faculty of Environmental Sciences (FES) www.fzp.czu.cz INSTITUTES Institute of Tropics and Subtropics (ITS) www.its.czu.cz Institute of Education and Communication (IEC) www.ivp.czu.cz Department of Sports and Physical Education (KTV) www.ktv.czu.cz Our university offers bachelor, master and doctoral degrees. Studies can be either full-time, part-time (distance) or a combination of both. For each degree level students finish an integrated period of study that allows them to commence their profession or continue in higher education degrees at their original or another university in their home country or abroad. Students may return to the education system following experience of professional work.
BACHELOR AND MASTER STUDY PROGRAMMES TAUGHT IN ENGLISH CULS Prague offers two bachelor undergraduate study programmes and six master graduate study programmes entirely taught in English. Courses are taught by Czech lecturers and/or international visiting professors from CULS partner Universities. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Bachelor in Agricultural Economics and Management Bachelor in Sustainable Use of Natural Resources Master in Economics and Management Master in Informatics Master in Natural Resources and Environment Master in Forestry, Water and Landscape Management Master in Technology and Environmental Engineering Master in Sustainable Rural Development in Tropics and Subtropics
STUDENT FACILITIES The university campus is spread over a beautiful landscaped area of about 50 hectares in the northern outskirts of Prague. The campus contains teaching facilities, including lecture halls, laboratories, greenhouses and research plots, the Rector’s Office, the Student Information Centre which houses a large Congress Hall, fully equipped with cutting edge conference technology, and the Central Library plus seminar rooms and a central computer department. Other parts of the Campus include auditoriums, student dormitories and halls of residence, a student canteen, sport facilities including a heated indoor swimming pool, and several student clubs. There are also many activities organised by CULS or students organisations at CULS that you can join and enjoy the student social life in Prague. www.czu.cz www.culs-prague.eu For more info: iro@rektorat.czu.cz
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www.iaasworld.org Half a century of non-formal education and intercultural dialogue! IAAS annual review 2007-2008
A short history of the IAAS
In the summer of 2007 IAAS celebrated it’s 50th anniversary... IAAS-volunteers and IAAS-alumni from more than 40 countries joint the special anniversary celebration on 29th of July in Bonn, which was also the last day of the international general assembly of IAAS in Germany. A good occasion to have a glance on our roots, half a century of international student cooperation, and taking a close look on how everything started in Tunis in 1957, the same year as the Rome declaration, when students decided to come together and create a new international student platform for students in agriculture. IAAS was established in a decade in which nations all over the world were still recovering from the harsh devastation and suffering resulting from the second world war. However, young people strongly fostered hope for progress, peace and stability. In this decade, students from all disciplines started to acknowledge their role as agents of change in society, and decided to come together to share values. They realised that only by sharing diversity, they could really cooperate to build a better world, a world in peace, harmony and freedom. AIESEC, IAESTE, IFMSA, IVSA and in 1957 also IAAS have been established in less than one decade. Students in agriculture saw the need for creating a platform to meet and exchange ideas among each other. How did students manage to cooperate across borders in a time that communication mainly occurred by means of written mail and telegrams? What do we know about the first steps of the pioneers of IAAS?
The first meeting, a telegram discussing a Dutch-Tunisian meeting (March 1957)
Early international cooperation between students in agriculture 1954 The international union of students (IUS) and the Rumania Union sent invitations to students in agriculture all over the world for a meeting in Bucharest. It is the first attempt known of an international cooperation between students in agriculture. 1956 In Paris an international week of study on agriculture took place. Students decided that UGET, the Tunis student union, would organise an international seminar on agriculture in the summer of 1957.
Decisions, about organizing a seminar in 1957 in Tunis.
On how a conflict between Tunisian and Dutch students ended in international cooperation Independent from the decisions made during the international meeting in Paris, the Students council from the Netherlands (NSR) also planned to organise an international seminar on agriculture from 22 till 29 June 1957. Around December 1956, NSR (Holland) and UGET (Tunis) got to know about each others plans and this caused a conflict. Tunis didn’t like the idea of having two international seminars so close to each other. However, several careful and diplomatic dialogues per mail, and a meeting in Leiden (Holland) on 15th and 16th of March 1957, resulted in a cooperation and a tight friendship between Tahar Belkhodja (Tunis) and R. van den Berg (president NSR). The NSR decided to cancel it’s congress in Wageningen in favour of the one in Tunis one and to cooperate intensively with UGET. It seems to be just an anecdote, but there are reasons to believe that this cooperation between The Netherlands and Tunisia was crucial for the continuity of IAAS in the first years. When the Dutch cancelled their seminar, they asked all participants to come to the seminar in Tunis instead. Also, the Dutch students 31
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were well prepared to organise a seminar in the Netherlands in 1958, which became the second world congress in of IAAS.
The first world congress: 5th -15th of July 1957: seminar in Tunis Theme: The appreciation of developing countries by means of agricultural heritage + Agricultural research and education. This seminar is referred to as the first congress of the IAAS, originally named with the French abbreviation A.I.E.A. (Association Internationale des Etudiants en Agriculture). Founding countries were Germany, Finland, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Rumania, Switzerland, Czechoslovakia and Tunisia. Tahar Belkhodge (Tunisia) was elected as the first president, Mr Fehr (France) was elected Secretary General. The second world congress took place in The Netherlands, the third in Norway, the fourth in Israel and the fifth in Switzerland. In the early years the seat of the association moved every year, to the address of the secretary general. French was the first official language. The mission of IAAS has largely remained the same during all the years. IAAS intended to bring students in agriculture together all over the world, organised international traineeships for students, encouraged the exchange of knowledge and ideas and promoted mutual cultural understanding. However, our association has become larger and the multi-disciplinary character increased very much. In the first years, all activities were focussed on agriculture. Since the early days, IAAS has had strong connections with FAO, UNESCO and the European institutions. It is amazing how the students managed to organise themselves internationally in a time that the Berlin wall was just under construction and most telephone numbers consisted of only 4 digits‌ Most correspondence was done by telegraphy or by means of hand written or typed letters. Also, students made the effort to write outgoing letters in the language of the receiver.
A glance on the future
IAAS Expro Stories
From Serbia to Norway My name is Slobodanka Dimitrijevic, I was one of the first students to participate in the Archimedes program of IAAS. I went to Norway, to a town called Ă„s, 45 km south from Oslo. I have attended a training for the period of 3.5 months at the Norwegian Crop Research Institute (Planteforsk). My traineeship was a useful opportunity, to gain working experience, and to live and work with people from all around the world. During the training period I have lived in a student house where the social life was well organized. IAAS Expro was more to us than just the professional experience, we also travelled around Norway, had a lot of fun, got acquainted with the local culture, food, beautiful nature and the hospitality of the Norwegians. To other students I can only recommend to take the initiative, enlarge your circle of thrust and to explore the world!
Within IAAS, one can still feel some of that positive spirit and enthusiasm of the young students that established IAAS, who are grandfather or grandmother right now. The world changed, and students changed their working style. IAAS opened itself towards other organisations and it has become more conscious of its role in providing non-formal education. IAAS has become a platform for young people to take useful initiative. But throughout the years, up to today in 2008, the relevance of intercultural dialogue has only increased and this causes the fundamental challenges to last for maybe another 50 years: to motivate youngsters to widen their views, open their eyes, to share values with each other, to take responsibility in society, to work in international teams and to create a maximum of added value for society within the borders of their capabilities. IAAS will always depend on students, on those few years that young people are active in student organisations. IAAS will always be embodied by the enthusiasm of its youth volunteers. That is why IAAS is also part of the future.
Wouter Geurts
VP Exchange 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 32
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European Directors Meeting EDM in general?
As most of you know, EDM (European Directors Meeting) is a very important IAAS meeting during winter. EDM has some special characteristics that make it as one of the most difficult meeting to organise…EDM takes place during winter holidays, well let me think… Factories? closed, Farms? somewhere on the cold mountains but anyway the farmer is on vacation!!, Professors for lectures? on vacation, Museums? closed, Universities/Labs? closed… ...So EDM is a good opportunity to take care of practical issues concerning the Association and make our IAAS spirit stronger… Probably we can’t have many lectures and excursions but is still an important meeting…
EDM in Greece 2007-08? Some nations are famous for the way they organise everything, some others are famous for the opposite!!! But I strongly believe that Greek committee turned out to organise a great EDMJ. We managed to take the “Youth in Action” grant, we got some great sponsors and as OC members didn’t kill each other!! We hosted 90 participants, from 15 countries during 8 days. We were in Thessaloniki, Aridea and finally in Athens (travelling 600 km by train)….We had a big party for the “trade fair” night, we walked for hours at Thessaloniki & Athens famous historical center, we swam and relaxed at the curative spa on the snowy mountains of Aridea, we saw the ancient caves, we ate Greek meat prepared by Greek boys at barbecue, we danced Zorbas; now know that bees are the reason we still exist(!!!)… Through “facebook” is easy to understand what happened at this EDM…
Pepita Migliaccio IAAS Greece
I n t e r n a t i o n a l Photography Seminar Celebrated in Lisbon, Portugal. Student had the opportunitty to learn something a bit different from their careers but at the same time very interesting. 33
Sub Regional Meeting, Croatia 2008, wich took place from april 20th-27th, 2008 in many regions of Croatia.
c Maja Nikoli atia ro from IAAS C
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51th World Congress, celebrated during summer 2008 in Belarus, the students learned from new experiences under the topic “Rural t o u r i s m a s a n a l t e r n a t ive f o r sustainable development”
EDM 2008-2009 A winter adventure in Serbia: Agriculture and food industry have a major responsibility in meeting the demand for safe food. The importance of creating awareness of this responsibility among relevant students and young farmers, and considering food safety in actions taken towards a successful sustainable development must not be understated.
From December 27th 2008 - January 3rd 2009 www.iaas-bg.com
IAAS Expro Stories From Belgium to Togo My name is Annemie Baelemans, I’m a medical student from Belgium. In 2007 I was going for an experience like I never had one before. For the first time I was outside Europe, and for the first time I did not just go as a tourist. In Sotouboua (in the middle of Togo) I involved in the rural development project Cecodri. (they also have a beautiful website!) Students in agriculture from IAAS Togo are already working several years with this project that gives opportunities to local farmers to cooperate, learn and develop local entrepreneurship. Togolese people which I met during my traineeship are so extremely hospital and the local teams gave me opportunities to use my knowledge and experience, even in the local hospital. A calabas of Thoukoutou catalysed the integration process, and lively discussions on student mobility, fairness in the world, GMO´s, gender equality and much more… Togo is a country in evolution. Go for it, to discover and explore… Your image of Africa will be seriously changed! 34
www.iaasworld.org 5 0 t h I A A S Wo r l d C o n g r e s s 2 0 0 7 “ Fo o d Q u a l i t y a n d Fo o d S e c u r i t y “ IAAS annual review 2007-2008
The 50th IAAS World Congress took place from July 21st to August 8th and was titled “Food Security and Food Quality – The Challenge is Ours!“ The congress was hosted by the Swiss and German IAAS committees – both founding members of our association. The first part of the event, the General Assembly (GA), took place in the congress centre “Haus Neuland” in Bielefeld, Germany. In addition to the official and organizational matters of IAAS, the GA focused on the main topics Organic Farming, Genetic Engineering and Globalisation of Agricultural Markets. Controversial points of view have been discussed and distinctive perspectives from different parts of the world could be brought together to form a global picture of the subject and create our own creative blend. Lectures from professors, company representatives and NGOs opened our views to the broad range of aspects that have to be taken into consideration. For some of us, simulation games and a theatre group provided additional and imaginative ways to relate to the subject of food security. In order to bridge the gap to the real situation, excursions were designed to give our participants an insight to agriculture and nutrition industries. One group visited farms: An organic mixed farm, an intensive egg production side and an agricultural research and education centre. Another group travelled to Hamburg visiting Germany’s largest port which represents an important place concerning international trade. The last group visited Dr. Oetker – one of Germany’s most famous food companies – and a sheep farm as part of an integrated project for sustainable food production. The sheep farm seeks to combine the different aspects of nature protection (a fen with high ecological value), conservation of traditional animal breeds (a source of genetic diversity), regional food supply and high meet quality. Other excursions took us to the international headquarters of Bayer CropScience in Mohnheim “It was like gathering a big family and and Syngenta in Basel as it even wasn’t necessary to know well as to a traditional everybody because with IAAS spirit, cheese producing alp, to you soon get in contact with anyone Bühler and Coop the WTO else.” in Geneva, Switzerland. “The official point was to celebrate the During the seminar, which 5 0 t h a n n i v e rs a ry o f I AAS. T h e was held in Switzerland, unofficial aim was to breathe again the aspects of informal communication, learning IAAS air, to meet people from all over and networking were of major priority. International sport days, the world, and… it still works!” hiking in the alps, cultural evenings and social events bringing together our participants with the local people gave a good IAAS Alumni: Mirjam Bregy, platform for this. Switzerland 35
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In good memory of the foundation of IAAS 1957 in Tunis and to adequately celebrate the 50th birthday of what is now the world’s largest students’ association in life sciences, we had invited many IAAS Alumni to join our Anniversary Ball in Bonn. This was certainly one of the most important, inspiring and cheerful parts of the whole congress and will be the starting point for many more incredible events and gatherings to come! Above everything else, the congress was a big celebration of fun and friendship, a time to meet old friends and make new ones, to live the world’s colours and the world’s unity, and to spent time we will never forget.
More information on the congress, including the official final reports, can be found at: www.iaas-woco2007.org
Did you know.... The 52th IAAS World Congress will take place in Guatemala and Mexico, and the next one will be during summer 2010 in Indonesia. Book your flights and see you there!
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Maria Müller-Lindenlauf & Sebastian Oltmanns
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Directors Meeting of the Americas Biodiversity for the Conservation of Natural Resources Through Antigua, Atitlán lake, Amatitlan, Panajachel and Guatemala city, the IAAS participants from Guatemala, Mexico, United States and Germany enjoyed a week full of culture, traditions and nice weather in lovely Guatemala. The DMA in Guatemala allowed the participants to have a different and clearer view of our region and to know that we have a project on the go. By those times we didn´t know about the next DMA in 2009, so we kept in mind the possibility of meeting again in one of our countries after the WoCo 2009 to discuss our regional accomplishments and plans. Besides everything that we learned in the five days of the DMA, we have gotten very good results for our local committee, being the host to this meeting before the WoCo in 2009. We learned about our committee’s weaknesses and that will help us face different situations; but we also learned about our virtues and strength, which will help us come together to pursue the objective of our Association. Thank you IAAS Mexico and IAAS USA for making the DMA a great experience. See you in the next IAAS meeting.
Ana Cristina Barillas IAAS Guatemala 37
Don´t miss the next DMA!, March 18-24, California, USA
The IAAS Americas region has started recently with three member countries (Guatemala, Mexico and USA.), don´t hesitate and join this unique network! www.iaasamericas.com
IAAS annual review 2007-2008
The concept of an Art Festival is important for a va r i e t y o f Illinois, United States of America r e a s o n s . Agriculture is May 10-18, 2008 the foundation for the culture in many parts of the world. Not only does it provide livelihoods for much of the population, but it also shapes our landscapes, food preferences, political views, infrastructure, family values, and priorities. All over the world, culture and T h e A g r i c u l t u r e agriculture are linked together, a n d A r t F e s t i v a l and a part of every culture is art.
L ast
y e a r, t h e n a t i o n a l committee of Turkey hosted the first IAAS Art Festival. Due to its success and praise by participants, our organization decided to continue to the tradition by hosting a second art festival. Together, IAAS-USA committees from Iowa State University and the University of Illinois planned and hosted this event. 38
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diverse agricultural system.
The first three days of the Arts and Agriculture Festival took place in Chicago, Illinois, USA. During this time, the group had the opportunity to tour the city, visit the Chicago Board of Trade, volunteer on an urban farm serving impoverished families, attend the Chicago Symphony, break down stereotypes of American people and culture, visit the Art Institute of Chicago, Many students in IAAS have and experience the public art artistic talents – there are poets, and gardens throughout the city. painters, photographers, singers, dancers, and actors – all with a The next two days of the festival common passion to learn about were in Champaign, Illinois, the international issues in food, home of the University of Illinois. agriculture, and the environment. Pa r t i c i p a n t s l e a r n e d a b o u t The Art Festival was a platform agricultural universities in the for students around the world to U.S.A, attended a lecture from a express their passion and culture, plant breeder, and watched a through art, while learning and d o c u m e n t a r y a b o u t t h e exploring a new country, a new American agricultural system. culture, and a unique and Due to large amounts of rain, we
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the Army Corps of Engineers, IAAS members re-forested a grove of trees in a state park! Also during our time in Breese, the many talented students of IAAS shared their art at a city wide outdoor theatre performance. Performances included Nigerian drumming and dancing, Guatemalan dancing, and American monologue, Turkish theatre, and Croatian paintings and drawings.
were unable to tour the university farm or attend the baseball game as planned, but participants learned the American sport of kickball and also learned some Turkish As the famous philosopher dancing instead! Seneca once said “As the soil, The last three days of the Arts however rich it may be, cannot and Agriculture Festival were b e p r o d u c t i v e w i t h o u t spent in and around Breese, cultivation, so the mind without can never produce Illinois. This allowed our guests c u l t u r e to see a smaller town in the r u r a l Midwestern ich United States owever r h , l i o s the which is the “As e heartland of cannot b may be, t i a g r i c u l t u ra l t production in e withou roductiv p the country. mind S t u d e n t s , so the n o i t a v i ult visited a hog c r can neve operation, culture t u o h t i w various dairy ” farms, and a produce good fruit local meat Seneca processing f a c i l i t y. In partnership with
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good fruit,” we must also remember to keep that spirit in our daily lives and in our IAAS gatherings. The Arts Festival bridged the gap between two subjects not normally discussed together, art and agriculture, and we hope there is great potential to continue this tradition into the future.
Rachael Cox
IAAS USA
IAAS annual review 2007-2008
We love training, yes we do!
the project into life again and presented the idea with great enthusiasm. After their presentation, 17 organisations immediately wanted to get involved in the Leadership The first joint IFISO project – Summer School, which would be
by Laura Khilström
In July 2008, over 40 participants from 17 international student organizations gathered together to practice leadership skills, improve the training culture in their organizations and share their knowledge of training. After one week of intensive learning and partying in steaming hot Ankara everybody left with a big smile on their face… but first let us rewind a bit back in time. Leadership Summer School
How did it all start? In November 2007 during the fall IFISO (Informal Forum of International Student Organizations) meeting an idea of the Leadership Summer School (LSS) was presented to the participants present at the meeting in Budapest, Hungary. The concept of the Leadership S u m m e r S ch o o l h a d b e e n created by EMSA (European Medical Students’ Association) but the student organizations needed for the project were still missing. Two guys, medical student Salmaan Sana and electronical engineering student Tagi Khaniyev had decided to put
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the first joint project in the history of IFISO. Soon after the Budapest meeting, I became a member of the LSS Coordination Team. A lot work was still ahead.
Work never ends.. ;) Indeed, a lot work was still ahead. More than one could imagine! Have you ever organized a meeting on local or international level? Do you remember the amount of work you need just to motivate people and get them involved? Now try to think of the same situation, but with a project that gathered people from 17 different organizations. The first thing that was needed was a face-to-face meeting. This m e e t i n g wa s o r g a n i z e d i n Brussels, Belgium by t h e Coordination Te a m a n d greatly helped by AEGEEEurope, who
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kindly offered us their house for the working days. During the face-to-face meeting, an agenda of the LSS was finalized and a Youth in Action grant written. Later that winter a host call was made and the host chosen was TurkMSIC Baskent University, a private medical faculty in Ankara, Turkey. A meeting between the Organizing Committee and Coordination Team was held in Ankara in February.
Things start to fall into place... After numerous online meetings and e-mails, LSS got its trainers and participants. All the trainers were students, mainly from student organizations that have experience in training. The participants were motivated people from the boards of their organizations and had to write a motivation letter to be chosen as a participant to the LSS. Later during the springtime we also found out that the Youth in Action grant had been accepted wh i ch m e a n t t h a t a l l t h e participants of the LSS would be almost fully reimbursed for their travel costs to the event. Time flew and it was almost July…
The event week On July 4 the Summer school started in steaming hot Ankara. From the first moments, it was obvious that participants would be intensively trained. The schedule was tight, but the bonds that were built between young people from various backgrounds and cultures were even tighter.
IAAS annual review 2007-2008
The high motivation and skills of the participants was the carrying force of the whole week. Also the trainers were irreplaceable : they did their very best and much more to give all the participants an experience they would never forget. During the week the schedule touched the most important topics of leadership: motivation,
other organizations. Lots of ideas across the same topics of came up that will turn into leaderships: motivation, team interesting projects in the future. m a n a g e m e n t , c o n t i n u i t y, communication, you name it. I can say with quite some confidence, I think, that every A few people in IAAS are p a r t i c i p a n t t h a t l e f t t h e working hard this year to Leadership Summer School promote the concept of training – highly motivated and happy, as it was already implemented at better leaders and the GA 2008 in Belarus – and w o n d e r f u l hopefully you will all get m e m o r i e s o f a experienced in Guatemala and week in Turkey Mexico in 2009. Until then, keep your eyes open and sing with us: with new friends.
F u t u r e prospects communication, leadership styles and models, intercultural dialogue, feedback, presentation skills .. the whole week ended in a leadership case study activity that challenged the participants to solve problems with their newly gained leadership skills. As one of the main characteristics of the Leadership Summer School project was multidisciplinary, the participants were constantly encouraged to exchange knowledge and experience with representatives from other student organizations. O n e wh o l e a f t e r n o o n wa s devoted to an organization fair that allowed the participants to plan possible projects with the
As the project was such a huge success, we want to make sure it becomes an annual event and serves the needs of future actives in international student organizations. It is a perfect opportunity for an experienced member to gain more knowledge in leadership and training before pursuing in a position on international level. IAAS does not have a tradition of training but after this event it was clear that it is needed in our organization. Although the roots of IAAS are in agriculture, our members on local, national and international level all come
IAAS is slowly starting up its own training programme. For this we need help from everybody; motivation and enthusiasm is needed from our committees, and the EC and CC can help in promoting the idea of training. There are also other student organizations, such as IFSA and EPSA, that are willing to organize joint training events with IAAS. Stay tuned! 41
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“We love training, yes we do..”. Or if you don’t know how the song goes yet, you just have to join the trainings and learn it….
IAAS annual review 2007-2008
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Involve yourself as a partner in the blended learning networks of IAAS! IAAS students share ideas and experiences with each other, and in a broader sense, with the society. While constantly on the search for high-quality non-formal learning opportunities, IAAS is constantly on the search for good partners, external stake-holders, organisations and institutions that are willing to go with us on the pace for healthy win-win relationships. Thereby partners directly enjoy the most important un-replaceable asset: the enthusiasm and flexibility of our young volunteers. We want to invest in the enthusiasm, both of our partners and our volunteers. Voluntary youth engagement in itself does not cost anything, but it is essential to make sure that new, good initiatives will flourish, that continuity is assured and experience is carried over. Our biggest challenge is not to change the whole world, but to keep the future generation of scientists and engineers of the ´living matter´ active, openminded, ambitious, awake, ready to act, ready to learn, responsible and care-taking, but also, to encourage students in the present to appreciate Example of a meeting that recently initiated an cultural diversity, to make them to taste IAAS-learning network on biofuels (meeting international teamwork and also to have fun NWEUR in Belgium attended by 60 participants from 8 countries) together, from time to time. IAAS can create added value for partners in many different ways. IAAS committees can provide partners with direct access to youngsters with a lot of ambition and a lot of potential. Indirectly we can also provide access to the academic world. Our students are in touch with state-of-the-art research and technology, like all their non-IAAS colleagues. However, they have this additional amount of baggage, which is at the same time part of their internal smile: their international experience! In IAAS we help young people to develop the potential of students in agriculture and applied biological sciences. Our students are graduating in different sub-domains, among them agriculture, bio-engineering, forestry, food technology, chemistry, bio-technology, environmental sciences and a lot of other scientific disciplines. A 100% of current volunteers will be active in mid-long future, as researchers, in farms, in the industry, in financial institutions, in governmental institutions or elsewhere in the globalized economy. For students who have been involved in IAAS, the world has just become a little bit smaller. They have learned to take initiative and have experienced some of the leadership opportunities provided by our organisation. These experiences will help them to become better leaders tomorrow. They have already developed deeper understanding of the complexity of international environments and they feel comfortable with taking a step into the unknown. Maybe even more important than just the experience, is the openness for diversity. And this all goes quite naturally. Once new partners get in touch with our organisation they usually start to love IAAS. IAAS has – nevertheless the fact that it has volunteers in more than 40 countries all over the world – a genuine and informal character. It is because we float on the constant enthusiasm of young people, and we see it as a privilege. We do not claim to be the biggest student network in the world (though for the section of life science-students we are), but our network facilities can really create significant added value to partners, also because we are very flexible and 42
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constantly on the search for a better result. For every partner we create specific returns. Sometimes; the enthusiasm of local volunteers can be big enough to create an entire event around a specific topic suggested by a partner.
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How we see partnership: - Money is not all that counts. Most partners provide us with financial support, which is essential for IAAS, but other partners work with us purely on a non-financial basis. In the frame of the IAAS exchange program for example, some organisations help us to provide real high-quality learning experiences for our You always knew what you wanted, and now... students. The IAAS- traineeship program is entirely organised What will you by our student volunteer based. Students can go abroad to do a traineeship in an organisation, With everything we do and everywhere we are, a company, an academic find a career and develop your talent in whatever you choose. institution or in a farm. Yearly, over 300 students are ichooseCargill exchanged over the IAAS exchange network. Our socalled Archimedes-exchanges can have a focus on managerial www.ichoosecargill.com ŠCargill Incorporated orientation, on engineering, on research, on education or on development. Our Ceres exchanges are taking place on a farm. Although the student profile of IAAS is concentrated on life-sciences, some companies (especially Small and Medium Sized Enterprises) have appreciated our personalised approach and gave our students opportunities to do tasks that reach out of their typical scientific domain, for example by involving them in commercial activities. As many students valorise this very much, it can create added value and lead to fresh ideas; if the expectation setting is well considered before the traineeship starts.
choose?
- For other partners, we usually create added value for HR purposes or normal commercial publicity, on the international level or local level in member committees. The main channels of IAAS are the international IAAS WORLD magazine (spread among all national committees), the international and national websites, the monthly couriers of the international executive committee and our events, congresses and seminars.
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If we make a commitment we want to stick on it. Having a bit the healthy agricultural spirit in our blood, we are conscious that only with sweat and hard work one gets true result, and that only healthy win-win situations pay off on long term. Learning networks Working together with an international student organisation becomes really interesting if there is a knowledge- and skill-based interactive exchange of experience between the partner, the student and eventually the academic environment. Then a partner becomes directly involved in the accomplishment of the mission statement of IAAS. Some of our partners use us as a source to know what is really on the mind of the next generation. Or simply to invest in their networks of tomorrow. It then becomes part of an informal learning network through which young people from different countries interact with each other and eventually interact with other organisations, partners the society in general. Such learning networks are created with the purpose of providing a dialogue and with the purpose of exchange ideas on a specific topic. Learning networks are also embedding many informal learning opportunities, that can go from informal discussions to organised traineeships. The role of our IAAS-learning networks is not to draft conclusions but to contribute to non-formal education opportunities for students in a framework where different opinions can co-exist. Learning networks can motivate students to think actively about the role they will play in the society of tomorrow, and eventually experience the reality (f.e. traineeship). By involving experts, corporate partners, NGO’s (FAO, UNESCO) and alumni in the dialogue, all stake holders can learn more. The aim of IAAS is not to take a point of view as a whole organisation, because IAAS values diversity in opinion. Informal learning networks are present in IAAS for a very long time, but the means of communication have changed. But every year, committees have taken spontaneous initiatives by organising seminars, summer schools, internet blogs, exchanges and discussions. Learning networks on a discrete amount of topics allow us to structure the different themes that come back so often in IAAS events, and to continue the discussion also after an event took place. New learning networks can be initiated if they start with a congress or a seminar and they can eventually lead to practical experiences by means of exchange network.
Wouter Geurts
Vice president of Exchange 2006-2007 and 2007-2008
IAAS Expro Stories
From Croatia to Indonesia Hello, my name is Željko Silovski. In the summer of 2007 I went to Indonesia. At IPB Bogor, I did my traineeship, where I worked on food analysis. In the first part of my exchange I worked in Bogor and later on I went around with my roommate Jaka Saputra. He showed me a lot of Indonesian lifestyle, local culture, colourful cities, temples, and most of all, beautiful nature. We travelled in Indonesia for two weeks, from Jakarta to Lombok. Now, I can say, that I never met so many wonderful people in my life, so friendly and so emotional, always smiling and joking… I would recommend expro to other colleagues, because, IAAS expro, can give you a combination of usefull working experience and the best adventure you had in your life My special thanks to: IAAS Croatia, IAAS Bogor (Jaka, Dra, Fina, Yoghatama, Jaka and everyone from Bogor), IAAS Malang, and most of all my family.
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25.07.2008 12:37:09 Uhr
IAAS annual review 2007-2008
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There´s only one place where future leaders in agriculture get together...
52th IAAS World Congress General Assembly and Seminar
Register now and be part of the change
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July 19th- August 8th, 2009 Guatemala - Mexico