Pepper grows in a field surrounded by and filled with bamboo poles to act as a trelis

Pepper plantation in Myanmar

Photo: Dominique Guenat
BFH-HAFL Hugo P. Cecchini Institute
Member Activities

Please select a SFIAR member institution

A five-day academic immersion program on sustainability in food production and consumer behavior, jointly organized by SSBM Geneva and BFH-HAFL. The program blends business strategy with agri-food expertise and covers innovation in food production, consumer behavior, regulatory frameworks, applied research, and strategic tools for sustainable market leadership. Participants receive a joint Professional Development Certificate.

School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (BFH-HAFL)

At the COP30 climate conference in Belém, FiBL underscores that agriculture must play a central role in addressing the climate crisis. Organic and agroecological approaches—such as humus formation, improved fertiliser management, agroforestry and adapted herd management—offer concrete pathways to strengthen climate resilience worldwide.

 

FiBL presented three research examples at its online COP30 side event, featuring results from carbon farming in Switzerland, agroforestry in the Sahel (Mali and Senegal), and emission reduction strategies in the Swiss dairy sector. This contribution brings Swiss and international research directly into global climate discussions.

Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL)

The Research Partnership Grant (RPG) supports Swiss-based researchers in launching joint projects with partners from nine South Asian countries. By promoting interdisciplinary collaboration across institutions and borders, the RPG enables teams to test innovative ideas, gather preliminary data, and lay the groundwork for long-term cooperation.

Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)

What if food were a publicly shared good rather than a commodity? This discussion with Dr. Jose Luis Vivero Pol (Université de Louvain) and Dr. Johanna Herrigel (Biovision) examines “food as a commons” as an alternative to market-driven food systems. The event explores implications for sustainability, democracy, and global equity.

Biovision Foundation ETH Zürich

In FiBL’s Voices on Climate series, Helmy Abouleish, CEO of Sekem Holding and president of Demeter International, explains how biodynamic agriculture in Egypt enhances resilience to climate change. He highlights how living soils, composting, agroforestry, and renewable energy help reduce water use, store carbon, and secure farmers’ livelihoods in arid environments. Sekem’s long-standing work demonstrates how agroecological practices can drive sustainable development in the Global South.

Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL)

Contact SFIAR

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