News Archive
| 16:29, 17.11.2020 | A new research associate joined the team. We would like to welcome Mrs. Cora Huhn |
| 10:04, 17.11.2020 | A new research associate joined the team. We would like to welcome Mrs. Clara Wagner |
| 11:08, 16.11.2020 | Report on the UGAIN project from Manfred Kasper (NA at BIBB) |
| 13:26, 05.10.2020 | Congratulations! Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Vera Bitsch has been honoured with the Fellow Award by the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA) Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Vera Bitsch has been honoured with the Fellow Award by the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA; ifama.org). The Fellow Award is an important international honor and is the highest award given by IFAMA. It is awarded to members who have made outstanding and sustained contributions to the success of the organization. The award is given to individuals who have distinguished themselves as a leader in the food and agribusiness industry as well as in service to IFAMA. The designation of Fellow is awarded to active supporters of the Association for outstanding contributions to food and agribusiness management in at least two of the following four categories: Practice of management in food and/or agribusiness, Research and scholarship, Teaching and/or academic administration, Service to IFAMA |
| 12:05, 08.09.2020 | Andreas Gabriel published as co-author in Agriculture & Human Values Understanding the public attitudinal acceptance of digital farming technologies: a nationwide survey in Germany Digital technologies have become increasingly popular in agriculture. An online survey provides initial insights to reduce this knowledge gap. The sample represents the German population in terms of gender, age (minimum 18 years), education and size of place of residence. Results showed that if the potential of digital farming technologies (DFT) regarding animal welfare and environmental protection was described, respondents reacted positively. Thus, the general attitudes of respondents toward the benefits of DFT were mostly positive. Results showed that the dominant positive influences on respondents’ attitudes toward the benefits of DFT were a generally positive attitude toward farming and a strong trust in farmers in Germany. Confronting respondents with pictures showing DFT resulted in many spontaneous negative associations and general criticism of agricultural production. However, as agriculture as a whole is criticized by many groups in Germany, it is unlikely that benefits from digitalization will significantly increase the public acceptance of agriculture as a whole. The article is published open access. Pfeiffer, J., Gabriel, A. & Gandorfer, M. (2020). Understanding the public attitudinal acceptance of digital farming technologies: a nationwide survey in Germany. Agriculture and Human Values. doi.org/10.1007/s10460-020-10145-2 |
| 11:48, 08.09.2020 | Publication in European Journal of Horticultural Science – Driving forces and characteristics of the value chain of flowering potted plants for the German market Nirit Havardi-Burger, Heike Mempel und Vera Bitsch investigated the value chain of flowering potted plants supplying the German market and the drivers influencing chain actors. The study builds on strategic and horticultural value chain literature. Data was collected by conducting 20 in-depth interviews with chain actors from different stages in the value chain and analyzed through qualitative content analysis. Results showed that the value chain of flowering potted plants is divided in two pathways due to distinct propagation methods, either generative (seeds) or vegetative (cuttings). Whereas propagation material is generally produced in southern countries, such as Africa and Central America, young plants and potted plants are cultivated within Europe. The paper identified driving forces such as retailer requirements, weather conditions, price pressure and innovations. Furthermore, the study provides an overview of chain activities and processes to help the sector anticipate developments, and support stakeholders in future decisions. Havardi-Burger, N., Mempel, H., & Bitsch, V. (2020). Driving forces and characteristics of the value chain of flowering potted plants for the German market. European Journal of Horticultural Science 85 (4), 267-278. doi.org/10.17660/eJHS.2020/85.4.8 Significance of this study What is already known on this subject? European studies focused on supply chain management and logistics of floriculture. Value-adding activities and processes of flowering plants supplying the German market have not been investigated. What are the new findings? The value chain is fragmented, but coordination is crucial because of product perishability, and the requirement for on-time delivery. Retail-chains are powerful chain actors through certification requirements and restrictions on pesticide use. NGOs also drive chain actors to take measures to avoid negative media attention. Furthermore, profitability concerns drive actors to strive for cost reduction and increase the consumer base. What is the expected impact on horticulture? An overview of the value chain of flowering plants and its drivers provides a foundation for strategy development and decision making across businesses within the sector. |
| 11:05, 17.07.2020 | German Cabinet names Prof. Vera Bitsch to the Commission for the Future of Agriculture The German Cabinet instated the Commission for the Future of Agriculture and tasked it with developing recommendations for a productive and resource-conserving agriculture. The goal is to combine animal welfare, biodiversity, and the protection of the climate and the environment with secure yields and economic viability. One of the six scientists on the commission is Prof. Vera Bitsch from the Technical University of Munich (TUM). read more ... |
| 14:16, 25.06.2020 | Publication in European Journal of Horticultural Science - Taking the helm at the family operation under the watchful eye of the predecessor: Succession in European horticulture and agriculture Stefan Mair and Meike Rombach investigated the intra family succession process in agricultural and horticultural enterprises from a successor perspective. The study shows educational and relational similarities in different European countries. The study follows a qualitative research approach and aims to provide a detailed picture of succession processes, comparing managers with different areas of specialization. The results show that a successful succession process requires organizational and analytical skills, advanced personal skills and attitudes such as patience, calm, and self-confidence, as well as knowledge-based skills in communication, management, finance, and law on the part of all involved. In the process, successors must cope with relational conflicts such as sibling rivalry or shadows of the previous generation. Open communication, physical distance, role definition and the acknowledgement of their experience by the predecessor and, if necessary, consulting can support addressing these issues. The relationship findings corroborate work-family border theory. Mair, S. & Rombach, M. (2020). Taking the helm at the family operation under the watchful eye of the predecessor: Succession in European horticulture and agriculture. European Journal of Horticultural Science 85 (2), 123-132. doi.org/10.17660/eJHS.2020/85.2.7Significance of this study What is already known on this subject?Succession is usually researched from a predecessor’s perspective. Furthermore, succession studies are usually dedicated to individual countries only. What are the new findings?The study compares different European countries and focuses on the successor’s perspective. The study connects relational conflict to work-family border theory and classifies skills required in the succession process. What is the expected impact on horticulture? Succession is a recent topic in European horticulture. Within the sector there are problems to find suitable successors. The paper identifies different types of conflicts occurring in a horticultural and agricultural succession process, as well as skills and knowledge required for a successful succession process. |
| 15:04, 04.05.2020 | Publication in Journal on Food System Dynamics - Food-Scanners as a Radical Innovation in German Fresh Produce Supply Chains In the current study, Simon Goisser, Heike Mempel and Vera Bitsch explore the preferences and concerns of chain actors regarding the implementation of this technology through semi-structured interviews. Originally advertised as tools for end-consumers, portable food-scanners have recently reached a high level of awareness and show potential as instruments for quality assessment along fruit and vegetable supply chains. Results indicate that food-scanners could facilitate quality control at different levels of the fresh produce supply chain by providing fast, non-destructive and objective measurements. Concerns about the application of food-scanners could be identified with respect to potential additional requirements of fruit wholesaler resulting in more pressure on producers. To further a goal-oriented and user-directed development of this new technology, future research should be directed at its impacts on perception of fruit quality along the chain as well as end-consumers’ readiness to use these devices in everyday life. Goisser, S., Mempel, H. & Bitsch, V. (2020). Food scanners as a radical innovation in German fresh produce supply chains. Journal on Food System Dynamics 11 (2), 101-116. http://dx.doi.org/10.18461/ijfsd.v11i2.43 |
| 09:32, 27.04.2020 | Teaching Case in organizational behavior published in International Food and Agribusiness Management Review Meike Rombach and Vera Bitsch have developed a management teaching case together with two graduate students. The case follows two consultant as they support a large German vegetable grower in identifying and addressing some management challenges. The case is an example of intuition regarding the causes of problems leading in the wrong direction. It shows that deeper insights are needed for problem solving. Furthermore, the case shows how theoretical knowledge can help to better evaluate situations and find more suitable solutions. Rombach, M., Paul, S.E., Niedermann, L.F. & Bitsch, V. (2020). Peppers & More: A teaching case in organizational behavior. International Food and Agribusiness Management Review. https://doi.org/10.22434/IFAMR2020.0010 |
| 13:22, 04.03.2020 | Publication in Sustainability on Sustainability Challenges and Innovations in the Value Chain of Flowering Potted Plants for the German Market Nirit Havardi-Burger, Heike Mempel und Vera Bitsch investigated the sustainability challenges and the adoption of sustainability innovations along the value chain of flowering potted plants supplying the German market. Data was collected through eighteen in-depths interviews with chain actors from different stages of the value chain and analyzed through qualitative content analysis. The material flow of the value chain begins at the breeding level followed by the propagation level. Cuttings are produced mostly in African countries, rooted cuttings and potted plants are cultivated in Europe. The main environmental challenges include water scarcity, pesticide use and carbon footprint. Social challenges in Africa include low wages and difficult working conditions. In Germany, social challenges include recruitment and retention of employees and product transparency. Economic challenges include profitability and the need to comply with standards. Sustainability driven innovations can address some sustainability challenges. However, their implementation often leads to increased costs, financial risk and complexity of implementation. Furthermore, the lack of product transparency prevents the transfer of sustainability costs to the consumer by offering a sustainable product for a premium price. Business-to-business standards have generally had a positive influence on the adoption of sustainability innovations. But by setting certification as an entry barrier for suppliers, retailers have become more powerful chain actors. Havardi-Burger, N., Mempel, H., Bitsch, V. (2020). Sustainability Challenges and Innovations in the Value Chain of Flowering Potted Plants for the German Market. Sustainability 12(5), 1905. doi.org/10.3390/su12051905 |
| 09:54, 06.12.2019 | Public Climate School: Students analyze sustainable food supply systems in regions strongly affected by climate change in case study course The course “Strategy, Supply Chain Management, and Sustainability in Agribusiness and the Food Industry” held at the Chair of Economics of Horticulture and Landscaping participated in the "Public Climate School" week. The “flipped classroom” teaching method used in this module offers students the opportunity to prepare for the class by means of case studies and to shape the teaching lessons themselves. During the "Public Climate School" week the case analyzed a sustainable system of cooperative tea production in Kenya. Since Kenya is affected strongly by climate change, strategies to ensure the preservation of small farms and income security in the face of these challenges were discussed. Students also analyzed other disadvantaged regions in the world and researched several projects that support agriculture’s adaptation to climate change. |
| 10:47, 06.11.2019 | Job offer: Research Associate The Chair of Economics of Horticulture and Landscaping offers a position as a research and teaching associate (50-75% as mutually agreed and depending on qualification), beginning April 1, 2020. The position is fixed term for three years, with the possibility for a three-year extension. Job advertisement |
| 16:37, 01.10.2019 | A new research associate joined the team. We would like to welcome Mrs. Lisa Benda |
| 15:44, 26.09.2019 | FOOD FOR THE FUTURE, June 15-18, 2020, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 30th World Conference IFAMA |
| 09:46, 26.09.2019 | Publication in Sustainability on entrepreneurs contributing to food rescue Regina Sedlmeier, Meike Rombach and Vera Bitsch investigated entrepreneurial business models in the arena of food waste in Germany with a multiple case study research approach. Business entrepreneurs seek to reduce waste through its monetarization. After the initial identification of close to all current entrepreneurial businesses, ten entrepreneurs in retail, processing, and food service were interviewed to determine barriers and challenges to the models’ success and analyze their motivation to start these businesses. The most important barriers constituted logistical problems regarding supply as well as marketing; and the need for close collaboration with suppliers constituted another important challenge. Their motivations combine sustainability-oriented goals with a profit goal. To scale up, an increase in collaboration and data exchange is needed across the supply chain. Sedlmeier, R., Rombach, M. & Bitsch, V. (2019). Making food rescue your business. Case studies in Germany. Sustainability 11 (18), 5101 doi.org/10.3390/su11185101 |
| 11:02, 31.07.2019 | Article Smallholder Farmers’ Rsik and Adaptation to Climate Change Lemlem Teklegiorgis Habtemariam, Markus Gandorfer, Getachew Abate Kassa and Stefan Sieber published an article on “Risk experience and smallholder farmers’ climate change adaptation decision” in Climate and Development. Teklegiorgis Habtemariam, L., Gandorfer, M., Abate Kassa, G., & Sieber, S. (2019). Risk experience and smallholder farmers’ climate change adaptation decision. Climate and Development. doi.org/10.1080/17565529.2019.1630351 |
| 11:01, 31.07.2019 | Proceeding paper Applications of Food-Scanners Simon Goisser, Heike Mempel and Vera Bitsch published a proceeding paper on “Potential applications of food-scanners in fruit and vegetable supply chains and possible consequences for the German market” in Proceedings in System Dynamics and Innovation in Food Networks.Goisser, S., Mempel, H. & Bitsch, V. (2019). Potential applications of food-scanners in fruit and vegetable supply chains and possible consequences for the German market. Proceedings in System Dynamics and Innovation in Food Networks 2019, 173-81. doi.org/10.18461/pfsd.2019.1917 |
| 11:00, 31.07.2019 | Article Inclusion in German Horticulture Robin King, Meike Rombach and Vera Bitsch published an article on “Inclusion in German Horticulture” in Acta Horticulturae. King, R., Rombach, M., & Bitsch, V. (2019). Inclusion in German Horticulture. Acta Horticulturae 1242, 955-960 doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2019.1242.140 |
| 10:58, 31.07.2019 | Article Multi-layer Agency Problems Meike Rombach, Lisa Köhl and Vera Bitsch published an article on “Multi-layer Agency Problems in a Non-profit and For-profit Collaboration: A Case Study of a Delicatessen Product in Support of a Minority” in International Food and Agribusiness Management Review. Rombach, M., Köhl, L. & Bitsch, V. (2019). Multi-layer Agency Problems in a Non-profit and For-profit Collaboration: A Case Study of a Delicatessen Product in Support of a Minority. International Food and Agribusiness Management Review. doi.org/10.22434/IFAMR2019.0014 |
| 09:10, 27.05.2019 | Job offer: Research Associate The Chair of Economics of Horticulture and Landscaping offers a position as a research and teaching associate (50-100% as mutually agreed and depending on qualification), beginning October 1, 2019. The position is fixed term for three years, with the possibility for a three-year extension. Job advertisement |
| 19:05, 19.05.2019 | Congratulation Meike Rombach Congratulation Meike Rombach! The paper "Not only speed matters – Crisis response in the hypothetical case of a transport accident involving genetically modified crops", written in cooperation with Meyerding, G.H., Spiwoks, E., Rombach, M. and Lehberger, M., has been published in the journal Food Policy. Meyerding, G.H., Spiwoks, E., Rombach, M. and M. Lehberger 2019. Not only speed matters – Crisis response in the hypothetical case of a transport accident involving genetically modified crops. Food Policy (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2019.04.006). |
| 08:52, 30.04.2019 | 29. Annual Conference of the Austrian Society of Agricultural Economics (ÖGA) The 29. Annual Conference of the Austrian Society of Agricultural Economics (ÖGA) on „Perspectives on Value-Based Supply Chains" takes place on 19.-20. September 2019 at the University of Innsbruck, Austria. For further information: https://oega.boku.ac.at/en.html |
| 11:51, 09.04.2019 | Congratulations on winning an Emerald Literati Award! Congratulations to Vera Bitsch, Meike Rombach and David Hermsdorf! The article “Food waste reduction practices in German food retail” published in British Food Journal has been selected by the editorial team as Highly Commended in the 2018 Emerald Literati Awards. |
| 11:51, 09.04.2019 | IFAMA best paper competition: Conference paper “Exploiting the Dispossessed: Agency Problems in a Non-Profit and For-Profit Collaboration” again among the top twelve! Prof. Dr. Bitsch attended the IFAMA Annual World Conference 2018 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. IFAMA is a professional organization bringing together the world’s leading scholars and agribusiness students with industry, NGO professionals, and policy makers. On behalf of all collaborators, she presented the case study “Exploiting the Dispossessed: Agency Problems in a Non-Profit and For-Profit Collaboration”. The paper was part of the best paper competition and focused on cross-sectoral collaborations and agency problems. The particular thematic combination allowed for theory contribution and received enthusiastic feedback from the audience. Congratulations to Meike Rombach, Lisa Köhl, and Vera Bitsch! |
| 11:50, 09.04.2019 | Collaboration between TUM, Purdue University (U.S.A.), and West Virginia University (U.S.A.) bears fruits – Study on German consumers’ preferences for cut flower attributes by Meike Rombach, Vera Bitsch, and cooperation partners res The paper provides insights for flower retailers, horticultural practitioners, and marketing managers into German consumers’ preferences for cut flower attributes, applying the best–worst scaling approach. The study builds on a sample of 978 consumers, consistent with the most recent German census in terms of age, gender, income, and federal state. The best-worst analysis showed that intrinsic flower attributes, in particular appearance, freshness, and scent were more important to German consumers than the extrinsic attributes studied (price, country of origin, and fair trade certification. Latent class analysis determined four consumer segments that desire either budget, luxury, or ethical flowers, or more information about flowers. For all identified consumer segments, appearance was the most important attribute. The consumers that desired luxury or ethical flowers, as well as the segment that desires more information were interested in appearance, but also preferred freshness guarantees. The preference for freshness guarantees in addition to appearance is interpreted jointly as a desire for not only beautiful flowers, but for sustained beauty. Internationally, the study fills a research gap by exploring consumers’ relative preference for cut flower attributes. In contrast to existing studies of consumer preferences in Germany, the present study uses a sample representing the population in terms of age, gender, net household income and federal state. Rombach, M., Widmar, N.J., Byrd, E.S., & Bitsch, V. (2018). Understanding preferences of German flower consumers: the desire for sustained beauty. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management (https://doi.org/10.1108/IJRDM-10-2017-0229). |
| 11:50, 09.04.2019 | Succession in horticultural family businesses: The role of socialization and communication by Stefan Mair and Vera Bitsch published in the International Journal of Food System Dynamics Succession is a key topic in recent family business research and receives attention from a wide range of research directions. The study assesses the perspectives of those involved in the succession process through a qualitative research approach. Based on in-depth interviews, a comparative analysis leads to the development of substantial grounded theory on intra-family succession in horticultural family businesses. Results show a range of determining factors, especially the socialization of the potential successor. Mair, S. & Bitsch, V. (2018). Succession in horticultural family businesses: The role of socialization and communication. International Journal of Food System Dynamics 9 (3): 279-288 (https://doi.org/10.18461/pfsd.2017.1733). |
| 11:49, 09.04.2019 | Strategies to manage hail risk in apple production by Annkatrin Porsch, Markus Gandorfer and Vera Bitsch published in the Agricultural Finance Review Hail risk management is essential for German fruit production, particularly because hail events and associated losses have increased in recent years. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a detailed risk analysis comparing different strategies to manage hail risk, taking into account farmers’ risk aversion and farm-specific conditions. Within an expected utility framework, two strategies for managing hail risk are compared, a financial instrument (hail insurance) and a technical instrument (anti-hail net), using a ten-year time series of orchard-specific hail damage and hail insurance data. For apple orchards with low local hail risk and low yield potential, not using hail risk mitigation is most efficient. For orchards with high local hail risk and high yield potential, anti-hail nets provide the highest certainty equivalents. For orchards with high local risk, but low yield potential, hail insurance is most efficient. For orchards, with low local risk, but high yield potential, the certainty equivalents are higher for anti-hail net, when the farmer is risk neutral or slightly risk-averse. With increasing risk aversion, hail insurance is most efficient, which can be explained by the greater degree of the instrument’s flexibility. Porsch, A., Gandorfer, M., & Bitsch V. (2018). Strategies to manage hail risk in apple production. Agricultural Finance Review (https://doi.org/10.1108/AFR-07-2017-0062). |
| 11:49, 09.04.2019 | Conference papers: Team members accomplish publications of initial dissertation analyses Braun, C. L., Rombach, M., Bitsch, V. & Häring A.M. (2018). Structures and actors of the organic vegetable value chain for school catering: a case study of the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan region. Proceedings in System Dynamics and Innovation in Food Networks 2018, 133-142 (http://dx.doi.org/10.18461/pfsd.2018.1810). Carlson, L. & Bitsch, V. (2018). Solidarity: a key element in alternative food networks. Proceedings in System Dynamics and Innovation in Food Networks 2018, 261-270 (http://dx.doi.org/10.18461/pfsd.2018.1819). Havardi-Burger, N., Mempel, H., & Bitsch, V. (2017). Supply chain of bedding plants and pot plants in Germany. DGG-Proceedings 7 (12) Osnabrück, Germany (http://www.dgg-online.org/proceedings/vol-07-2017/dgg-pr-nb-2017.pdf). |
| 11:49, 09.04.2019 | Congratulations Dr. Andreas Gabriel! Well done! We are happy to announce that Andreas Gabriel successfully defended his dissertation. Andreas discussed “Integrated System Analysis for Understanding Complexity in Small Business Management – Concept Development and Applications in Horticultural Retail Companies”. |
| 11:48, 09.04.2019 | 58. Jahrestagung der GEWISOLA 2018 |
| 11:48, 09.04.2019 | ÖGA Tagung 2018 |
| 11:47, 09.04.2019 | Congratulation Charis Braun and co-authors! Congratulation Charis Braun and co-authors! The paper “A local gap in sustainable food procurement: Organic vegetables in Berlin’s school meals.” is published in the journal Sustainability. Braun, C.L., Rombach, M., Häring, A.M. & Bitsch, V. (2018). A local gap in sustainable food procurement: Organic vegetables in Berlin’s school meals. Sustainability 10 (11), 4245. doi.org/10.3390/su10114245, Abstract: Organic and local food plays an important role in the discussion of sustainable public procurement for school catering services. The present study investigates the value chain supplying school catering with organic produce, using the organic vegetable industry in the Berlin-Brandenburg region in Germany as an example. The qualitative case study employs a structuration theory approach to explore value chain actors’ perspectives and their practices. Data is collected by conducting 14 in-depth interviews with actors on different supply chain levels (farming, wholesale, and catering) and analyzed by means of qualitative content analysis. The results suggest that, while organic food is generally important in school catering in Berlin, locally produced organic vegetables play only a minor role. A constraining factor is the lack of incentives for the use of locally produced organic food in the procurement guidelines, combined with a very limited budget for sourcing. Also, there are no preprocessing facilities in the region, while work organization in school catering services depends heavily on preprocessed food. From a farmers’ perspective, focusing on process grade vegetables is rarely a common marketing strategy. View Full-Text Keywords: sustainable public procurement; school catering services; agri-food value chains; structuration theory |
| 11:40, 09.04.2019 | Congratulations Dr. Meike Rombach! Well done! |
| 11:40, 09.04.2019 | Congratulations Dr. Annkatrin Porsch! Well done! |
| 11:39, 09.04.2019 | Congratulation Laura Carlson and Vera Bitsch! Congratulation Laura Carlson and Vera Bitsch! The paper "Applicability of Transaction Cost Economics to Understanding Organizational Structures in Solidarity-Based Food Systems in Germany" is published in the journal sustainability. Carlson, L. A. & Bitsch, V. (2019). Applicability of Transaction Cost Economics to Understanding Organizational Structures in Solidarity-Based Food Systems in Germany. Sustainability 11 (4), 1095. doi.org/10.3390/su11041095, Abstract In response to consumer concerns about sustainability of food production and distribution systems, and the difficulties many agricultural producers face to self-sustain while providing the quality of products consumers desire, alternatives to market-based exchange are developing. Solidarity-based food systems (SFS) based on relationships of mutual trust, dependency and support between consumers and producers are an example. SFS are designed to insulate producers from market pressures and alleviate consumers’ mistrust in market-based mechanisms. A network of SFS has formed in Germany under the name Solidarische Landwirtschaft (Solawi). Theories based on economic principles that help explain the way alternatives to market-based transactions in agriculture are organized are still lacking. The article suggests Transaction Cost Economics (TCE) as helpful to gain a better understanding of how these organizations form and function. The governance structures Solawis create are considered hybrid organizations according to TCE. Qualitative research methods are used to generate detailed accounts of the governance structures of four Solawis and the reasons behind the decisions of individual actors to participate. Effectiveness of TCE in evaluating these structures is analyzed. Based on the results, the concept of transaction benefits is suggested as a potential augmentation of TCE to improve its applicability to SFS. View Full-Text, Keywords: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA); consumer-producer relationships; new institutional economics (NIE); short supply chains; vertical coordination |
| 10:15, 09.04.2019 | HEFagrar PhD Symposium on Wednesday, April 10th 2019 at the Hans Eisenmann-Forum |
| 10:13, 09.04.2019 | Congratulation Veronika Villnow, Meike Rombach and Vera Bitsch Congratulation Veronika Villnow, Meike Rombach and Vera Bitsch! The paper "Examining German Media Coverage of the Re-Evaluation of Glyphosate" has been published in Sustainability as part of the Special Issue Communicative and Behavioral Interventions to Increase Sustainability.“Villnow, V., Rombach, M., & Bitsch, V. (2019). Examining German media coverage of the re-evaluation of glyphosate. Sustainability 11 (7), 1910. doi.org/10.3390/su11071910Abstract: This study investigates media coverage of the re-evaluation process of glyphosate from 1 January 2015 to 31 March 2018. In a comparative, qualitative print media analysis, the promotion of claims and the use of narratives of Die Zeit, a weekly newspaper, and top agrar, an agricultural trade journal, are explored. Results identify noticeable differences in both media outlets’ news reporting. Whereas Die Zeit focused on potential health risks and the scientific controversy, top agrar’s coverage emphasized the harmlessness of glyphosate. The multifaceted use of narratives by Die Zeit contrasts with the comparatively low use of narratives by top agrar. View Full-Text, Keywords: agriculture; claims-making; narratives; news values; qualitative content analysis |
| 09:49, 09.04.2019 | Erasmus+ project AgriSkills starts with a kick-off meeting in Freising The kick-off meeting with all international partners take place on November 1-2, 2018 in Weihenstephan. |
| 11:15, 11.03.2019 | First woman at the head of the German Society for Horticultural Sciences (DGG) Am Vorabend des Internationalen Frauentages wurde im Rahmen der 53. Jahrestagung der DGG in Berlin Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Vera Bitsch zur neuen Präsidentin der DGG gewählt. Damit steht zum ersten Mal in der nahezu 60-jährigen Geschichte der DGG eine Frau an deren Spitze. Prof. Bitsch übernimmt das Amt von Prof. Dr. Uwe Schmidt von der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Zusammen mit ihm und dem neuen Vize-Präsident Prof. Dr. Heiko Möbus-Schoppe von der Hochschule Geisenheim wird sie die Gesellschaft in den kommenden Jahren leiten und die Zukunft der Gartenbauwissenschaften in Deutschland mitgestalten. Die DGG wurde am 13. Januar 1960 von einer Gruppe von Gartenbauprofessoren gegründet. Ihr gehören etwa 300 Mitglieder aus Forschungs-, Versuchs-, Ausbildungs- und Beratungseinrichtungen, Betrieben der gartenbaulichen Praxis, Industrieunternehmen sowie Privatpersonen an. In der DGG sind alle Fachbereiche des Gartenbaus vertreten, die in den übergeordneten Sektionen Obstbau, Gemüsebau, Zierpflanzenbau, Baumschule, Garten und Landschaft, Phytomedizin, Pflanzenbiotechnologie, Technik, Ökonomie sowie Ausbildung und Beratung organisiert sind. |
| 16:14, 09.10.2018 | Congratulations! Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Vera Bitsch appointed honorary doctor by Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences On October 6, 2018 Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Vera Bitsch, was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). Prof. Bitsch conducts research in the fields of agricultural economics and agribusiness management. In her research, she prefers working with qualitative approaches and she also contributes to the development of qualitative methods as well as teaching qualitative approaches in the PhD program Agricultural Economics on the national level in Germany. Prof. Bitsch was awarded the honorary doctorate for her outstanding contributions to agricultural economics in the fields of employer-employee relationships and social sustainability in horticulture, landscaping and agricultural value chains. During the ceremony, Prof. Bitsch received the traditional insignia of the honorary doctorate: a handmade hat, symbol for freedom and power, an engraved golden ring, symbol of faithfulness to science, and a certificate with the SLU wax seal. The SLU is one of the five leading agricultural universities in the world. The research and teaching at SLU focuses not only on productivity but also on environmental effects generated by plant and animal production, as well as ethical aspects of animal husbandry. The video on the ceremony can be found here. The video on the lecture “Wicked Sustainability – Muddling through Transitions in Agri-food Systems” of Prof. Bitsch can be found here. Photos |
| 12:46, 31.08.2018 | Offers: Graduate Assistantship The Chair of Economics of Horticulture and Landscaping offers a graduate assistantship positions at the 50-65% level, beginning October 15, 2018 (or later). The position is fixed for an initial three-year term, with the possibility for extension. Job advertisement |
| 10:07, 29.06.2018 | Jan Alpmann received the Max Schönleutner award for his dissertation! Congratulations! Jan Alpmann was awarded with the Max Schönleutner award on graduation day (22.06.2018). He received this honour for his dissertation “A Grounded Theory of Asymmetric Conflict in the German Dairy Sector”. Once again, congratulation Jan, we are so happy for you. Cheers! |
| 16:27, 12.06.2018 | Visit of the DGG & BHGL Annual Conference 2018 in Geisenheim Andreas Gabriel und Meike Rombach nahmen an der diesjährigen DGG & BHGL Jahrestagung 2018 in Geisenheim teil (28.02. bis 03.03.2018). Die Jahrestagung stand unter dem Generalthema "Klimafolgen und Herausforderungen für den Gartenbau". Andreas Gabriel berichtete zum Thema "Weiterentwicklung der ganzheitlichen Unternehmensanalyse nach dem Systemkonzept unter Anwendung eines partizipativen Ansatzes am Beispiel von Einzelhandelsgärtnereien". Meike Rombach stellte ihre Forschungsarbeit zum Thema "Nicht-monetäre Lebensmittelsysteme: Lebensmittelspenden und konsumkritisches Verhalten" vor. Weitere Informationen zur Tagung sind unter Zusammenfassung und unter der Tagungshomepage zu finden. |
| 16:23, 12.06.2018 | Prof. Dr. Vera Bitsch and Andreas Gabriel present their research project at the Edmund-Rehwinkel-Stiftung symposium Zum diesjährigen Symposium der Edmund Rehwinkel-Stiftung am 5. und 6. Juli in Berlin wurden von der Landwirtschaftlichen Rentenbank geförderte Studien zum übergeordneten Thema „Innovative Agrarpolitik nach 2020“ vorgestellt. Der Lehrstuhl trug hierzu eine Studie zur „Weiterentwicklung der zweiten Säule der Gemeinsamen Agrarpolitik nach 2020 zur Erleichterung des Generationenwechsels und der Betriebsnachfolge“ bei. Andreas Gabriel präsentierte eine Zusammenfassung der Ergebnisse dieser Studie. Im Anschluss beteiligte sich Prof. Dr Bitsch an einer Podiumsdiskussion zu dem topaktuellen Thema der Weiterentwicklung der GAP.Link zur Publikation der Studie (S. 75-100) |
| 16:08, 11.06.2018 | Student assistant |
| 14:50, 30.04.2018 | At the end of the Farm-Success Project Andreas Gabriel and Stefan Mair participated in the 6th Project Meeting and the European Farm-Success Conference in Brussels. More information in the Farm-Success Newsletter 4 |
| 15:46, 06.02.2018 | U-GAIN kick-off meeting in Weihenstephan |
| 15:20, 22.01.2018 | KTBL-Tage 2018 |
| 09:28, 30.11.2017 | The chair congratulates Meike Rombach on their current publication Rombach, M., Widmer, N. O., Byrd, E. & Bitsch, V. (2018). Do all roses smell equally sweet? Willingness to pay for flower attributes in specialized retail settings by German consumers. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services 40 (January), 91-99. doi: 10.1016/j.jretconser.2017.09.007 |
| 14:11, 24.11.2017 | The chair congratulates David Hermsdorf and Meike Rombach on their current publication Hermsdorf, D., Rombach, M., & Bitsch, V. (2017). Food waste reduction practices in German food retail. British Food Journal 119 (12), 2532-2546. doi: 10.1108/BFJ-06-2017-0338 |
| 16:03, 04.10.2017 | A new research associate joined the team. We would like to welcome Mrs. Borbála Hajós-Wisinger. |
| 11:45, 06.09.2017 | Neues Projektvorhaben: Weiterentwicklung der zweiten Säule der Gemeinsamen Agrarpolitik nach 2020 zur Erleichterung des Generationswechsels und der Betriebsnachfolge |
| 11:42, 06.09.2017 | Empowering Women Farmers (EMWOFA) Multiplier Workshop, Barcelona, 8.-13. Mai 2017 Empowering Women Farmers (EMWOFA) Multiplier Workshop Barcelona, 8.-13. Mai 2017PD Dr. Markus Gandorfer (Technische Universität München) nimmt zusammen mit Angela Kraus (Bayerischer Bauernverband), Angelika Appel (Regierungspräsidium Karlsruhe) sowie Prof. Dr. Thomas Hannus (Hochschule Weihenstephan-Triesdorf) am zweiten EMWOFA Multiplier Workshop in Barcelona teil. Weitere Informationen zu EMWOFA unter http://www.emwofa.eu/ |
| 15:26, 05.09.2017 | U-GAIN, a new Erasmus+ project, was approved at 24.07.2017 |
| 10:55, 05.09.2017 | The chair congratulates Markus Gandorfer, Annkatrin Porsch on their current publication Gandorfer, M., Porsch, A., & Bitsch, V. (2017). Producer price volatility in the German fruit and vegetable industry. European Journal of Horticultural Science 82 (3), 149-154. doi:10.17660/eJHS.2017/82.3.5 |
| 11:53, 22.06.2017 | Best Paper Award at the 2017 IFAMA World Conference in Miami, USA Meike Rombach and Vera Bitsch received the IFAMA Best Paper Award at the 2017 IFAMA World Conference. The winning paper is entitled "Sector Blending: Evidence from the German Food Bank". The paper was presented by Meike Rombach on Sunday, June 18, 2017, in Miami (Florida, U.S.A). The International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA) is the most important association of agribusiness professionals worldwide. IFAMA brings together scientist, leading industry professionals as well as representatives of key governmental and non-governmental organizations (https://www.ifama.org/). Congratulations to the winners. |
| 15:59, 12.06.2017 | IFAMA 2017 WORLD CONFERENCE Staff members Laura Carlson and Meike Rombach and former student Stoyan Dimitrov will be attending the 2017 IFAMA World Conference in Miami (18.06.17-21.06.17). Laura Carlson will be presenting some of the findings from her master’s thesis work regarding social sustainability in the Ready-Made Garment Sector in Bangladesh, Meike Rombach will discuss her research into the German Food Bank, and Stoyan Dimitrov will give a presentation over his master’s thesis work regarding food waste in Bavarian Restaurants. |
| 14:56, 15.05.2017 | Neues Projektvorhaben: “Statistik Gartenbau Bayern – Neuauflage: Fokus Gemüsebau” Projektvorhaben “Statistik Gartenbau Bayern – Neuauflage: Fokus Gemüsebau”Fördergeber: Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Forsten, Laufzeit: 1.4.2017 bis 30.9.2018, Projektverantwortung: Prof. Dr. Vera Bitsch (TUM); Projektbeteiligter: Prof. Dr. Thomas Hannus (HSWT), Projektbearbeitung: Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Andreas Gabriel, Die Zielsetzung des geplanten Vorhabens ist eine Aktualisierung der vor einigen Jahren veröffentlichen „Statistik Gartenbau Bayern“ (Beiersdorf et. Al, 2010) unter Anwendung eines angepassten methodischen Ansatzes zur Ermittlung der Wertschöpfung und zwar speziell für den sich dynamisch einwickelnden Gemüsebau In Bayern. Die Ergebnisse der Neuauflage der Studie stellt die wirtschaftliche Bedeutung und Leistungsfähigkeit des bayerischen Gemüsebaus in Bayern aktuell und fundiert dar. Weiterhin werden besonders dynamische Entwicklungen im bayerischen Gemüsebau mit zukunftsweisenden Produktions- und Absatzstrukturen analysiert. |
| 11:37, 03.02.2017 | New publication: Impact of climate change on farms in smallholder farming systems: Yield impacts, economic implications and distributional effects Teklegiorgis Habtemariam, L., Abate Kassa, G., & Gandorfer, M. (2017). Impact of climate change on farms in smallholder farming systems: Yield impacts, economic implications and distributional effects. Agricultural Systems 152, 58-66. doi:10.1016/j.agsy.2016.12.006 |
| 11:36, 03.02.2017 | New publication: Ecological diversification is risk reducing and economically profitable - The case of biomass production with short rotation woody crops in south German land-use portfolios Hauk, S., Gandorfer, M., Wittkopf, S., Müller, U. K., & Knoke, T. (2017). Ecological diversification is risk reducing and economically profitable - The case of biomass production with short rotation woody crops in south German land-use portfolios. Biomass and Bioenergy 98, 142-152. doi:10.1016/j.biombioe.2017.01.018 |
| 09:27, 15.11.2016 | New course - Strategy, Supply Chain Management, and Sustainability in Agribusiness and Food Industry |
| 14:39, 11.10.2016 | New course - Strategy, Supply Chain Management, and Sustainability in Agribusiness and Food Industry |
| 14:22, 10.10.2016 | Graduate Assistantship |
| 17:00, 06.10.2016 | Invitation to the Multiplier- / Dissemination event of the Erasmus+ Project "EMWOFA" Dear all, we cordially invite you to the Multiplier- / Dissemination event of the Erasmus+ Project “EMWOFA”: Empowering WOman Farmers with Agricultural Business Management Training on Wednesday, October 19th , 2016 at 2 p.m. in seminar room 83/84 (Hans Eisenmann-Zentrum). Prof. Dr. Robin Brumfield from Rutgers University New Jersey, USA and Prof. Dr. Burhan Özkan from Akdeniz University Antalya, Turkey will present the development and the current state of the project. Starting from the initial Programms: “Anni´s Project and Suzanne´s Project” up to the desired outputs of EMWOFA. Discussion and input from the audience, especially for the further development of the Project are desirable! After the talk you are welcome to join in for a small reception and the opportunity for socializing and exchange. Coffee and cake, drinks and snacks provided! Please forward this announcement to any other interested colleagues. more information in the factsheet (English) the factsheet (German) or contact the organizer: Dipl.-Ing.agr.Univ. Stefan Mair; Tel. +49 8161 71 2541; stefan.mair@tum.de |
| 09:56, 08.06.2016 | Neuer Sammelband 2016 zum Symposium der Edmund Rehwinkel-Stiftung |
| 15:40, 24.05.2016 | Glückwunsch zur Veröffentlichung an M.Sc. L. Teklegiorgis Habtemariam, PD Dr. M. Gandorfer, Dr. G. Abate Kassa, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Alois Heißenhuber Den genannten Autorinnen und Autoren ist es gelungen in einer hochrangigen Fachzeitschrift zu publizieren. Unsere Glückwünsche! Teklegiorgis Habtemariam, L., Gandorfer, M., Abate Kassa, G., & Heissenhuber, A. (2016). Factors Influencing Smallholder Farmers’ Climate Change Perceptions: A Study from Farmers in Ethiopia. Environmental Management. doi:10.1007/s00267-016-0708-0 |
| 11:01, 04.04.2016 | Schnupperstudientag Master Gartenbaumanagement am 29. April 2016 Zu einem Schnupperstudientag laden die Studienfakultät für Agrar- und Gartenbauwissenschaften der Technischen Universität München gemeinsam mit der Fakultät für Gartenbau und Lebensmitteltechnologie der Hochschule Weihenstephan-Triesdorf am Campus Weihenstephan ein. Am 29.04.2016 bietet sich hier die Gelegenheit mit den zukünftigen Dozierenden und Kommilitonen den Studienstandort zu erkunden und alle Fragen zum Studiengang direkt zu klären. Anmeldung bis 24.04.2016 an hort.biz@tum.de, Programm , Weitere Informationen zum Masterstudiengang Gartenbaumanagement |
| 14:23, 07.04.2015 | 50. Jahrestagung der DGG und BHGL und Internationales WeGa-Symposium in Freising Conference Freising 2015 Internetseite Tagung / Conference Website Bericht zur 50. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gartenbauwissenschaftlichen Gesellschaft e. V. (DGG) und des Bundesverbandes der Hochschulabsolventen/Ingenieure Gartenbau und Landschaftsarchitektur e. V. (BHGL) und zum Internationales WeGa-Symposium in Freising Plenarvortrag: Prof. Dr. H. Christopher Peterson (Michigan State University, U.S.A.) zum Thema "Urban Horticulture: U.S. Projects & Perspectives" |
| 14:47, 05.03.2015 | Posterpreis für Amelie Nellen Bei der diesjährigen DGG-Jahrestagung (Deutsche Gartenbauwissenschaftliche Gesellschaft e. V.) wurde Frau Amelie Nellen, Studierende am Lehrstuhl für Ökonomik des Gartenbaus und Landschaftsbaus, für ihr Poster mit einem Preis ausgezeichnet. Der Postertitel lautete: Mülltauchen: Ein Beitrag zur Reduktion von Lebensmittelabfällen |
| 08:42, 18.02.2015 | Frau Prof. Vera Bitsch wurde zum Vice Chair der Commission Economics and Management (CEM) der International Society for Horticultural Science gewählt. |
| 12:29, 03.11.2014 | Begrüßung der Erstsemester im neuen Masterstudiengang Gartenbaumanagement |
| 16:20, 23.09.2014 | Einführungsveranstaltung Master Gartenbaumanagement Für die Studierende im Master Gartenbaumanagement findet eine Einführungsveranstaltung statt. Ort: Seminarraum des Lehrstuhls Ökonomik des Gartenbaus und Landschaftsbaus (Alte Akademie 16, 85354 Freising-Weihenstephan, Obergeschoss) Zeit: 06.10.2014 um 16:30 Uhr, Im Rahmen der Veranstaltung werden wichtige Informationen zum Studiengang und zur Vorlesungsorganisation mitgeteilt. |
| 16:20, 23.09.2014 | Einführungsveranstaltung Master Gartenbaumanagement Für die Studierende im Master Gartenbaumanagement findet eine Einführungsveranstaltung statt. Ort: Seminarraum des Lehrstuhls Ökonomik des Gartenbaus und Landschaftsbaus (Alte Akademie 16, 85354 Freising-Weihenstephan, Obergeschoss), Zeit: 06.10.2014 um 16:30 Uhr, Im Rahmen der Veranstaltung werden wichtige Informationen zum Studiengang und zur Vorlesungsorganisation mitgeteilt. |
| 09:01, 22.09.2014 | Campus Map Weihenstephan now available |
| 16:46, 10.09.2014 | TUM English Writing Center - one-on-one and cost-free |
| 14:48, 14.08.2014 | 9 th International European Forum in innsbruck-Iglis, 9.-13- Febr. 2015 |
| 14:40, 14.08.2014 | GEWISOLA-Tagung in Göttingen, 17.-19. Sept. 2014 |
| 14:15, 14.08.2014 | 50. Gartenbauwissenschaftliche Tagung in Weihenstephan, 24.-28. Febr. 2015 |
| 15:21, 23.07.2014 | New Member Joined the Team Asim Shamshad starts working at TUM, Chair Economics of Horticulture and Landscaping I came from Pakistan and completed my master degree in International Horticulture from Leibniz University Hannover. “Value chain analysis of mango: A case study from Pakistan” was the topic of my master thesis. Overall, my interests are in horticultural business & economics. Therefore, I decided to continue my career in this direction. The turning point of my life was to be an international student and observing the world in a global perspective. I came to the Chair Group Economics of Horticulture and Landscaping at TUM for the first time several months ago to present the research done in my master thesis. I had no idea whether I would be accepted. But at last, I joined in the second week of July, 2014. In my first week, I already at the opportunity to participate in the doctoral studies module “Qualitative Research and Developing Grounded Theory in Social Science” of the Doctoral Certificate Program in Agricultural Economics. This was very helpful for understanding and developing my own research ideas. During the course, I came to know the other staff members at the Chair. Also, I connected to other researchers who came from different universities in Germany to attend that module. I was very useful to share and learn from others’ research experiences. After spending two years in northern Germany, now I am in the southern region, i.e., Freising. Here, I experience the diverse subcultures within the German culture. The natural green landscape is very attractive and shows a healthy environment. The calm surrounding is one of the key elements for the concentration on research. The working environment is very nice and backed by state-of-the-art technology. All the colleagues are very cooperative and supportive. I am happy to be the part of the Chair Group Economics of Horticulture and Landscaping. |
| 13:21, 14.07.2014 | ÖGA - 24. Jahrestagung der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Agrarökonomie; Wien, 25. - 26. Sept. 2014 |
| 16:49, 07.07.2014 | Flyer für Masterstudiengang Gartenbaumanagement |
| 08:59, 06.06.2014 | Bewerbungsfrist für Master Gartenbaumanagement verlängert! Im Einführungsjahr wird die Bewerbungsfrist über die offizielle Frist vom 31. Mai hinaus verlängert. Interessierte können sich noch anmelden. Bitte wenden Sie sich dazu direkt an Dr. Markus Gandorfer (hort.biz@tum.de). |
| 16:19, 13.03.2014 | Best poster award for Annkatrin Hartwich At this year`s annual conference of the GIL (Gesellschaft für Informatik in der Land-, Forst- und Ernährungswirtschaft e. V.), Annkatrin Hartwich, Chair Economics of Horticulture and Landscaping, has been awarded a prize for the best poster. The poster title was: Risk management in fruit production. |
| 11:23, 25.02.2014 | Graduate Assistantship |
| 15:43, 28.10.2013 | Jan Alpmann, Lehrstuhl Ökonomik des Gartenbaus und Landschaftsbaus hat den Preis bestes Poster auf der diesjährigen Gewisola-Konferenz (Gesellschaft für Wirtschafts- und Sozialwissenschaften des Landbaues e.V.) gewonnen. Bei der diesjährigen Gewisola-Konferenz (Gesellschaft für Wirtschafts- und Sozialwissenschaften des Landbaues e.V.) hat Jan Alpmann, Lehrstuhl Ökonomik des Gartenbaus und Landschaftsbaus, den Preis für das beste Poster der Konferenz gewonnen. Der Postertitel lautete: Milchkonflikt und resultierende Verbandsstrukturen - ökonomische und emotionale Auswirkungen von Marktliberalisierung. |
| 15:42, 29.08.2013 | Deutscher Innovationspreis Gartenbau 2013: Drei Unternehmen ausgezeichnet |
| 15:31, 29.08.2013 | Aktuelle Broschüre "Der Gartenbau in Deutschland -Daten und Fakten-" |