Network Agribusiness Lower Rhine

Dr. Anke Schirocki (Manager Agrobusiness Niederrhein e. V.) and Regina Bach (Network coordinator Agribusiness Lower Rhine, TransRegINT)

Two teams, one goal: cooperation between TransRegINT and Agrobusiness Niederrhein e.V.

Nowhere in North Rhine-Westphalia is more value generated on agricultural land than in the Lower Rhine, in the district of Kleve. The agricultural sector is a strong driving force in the region, and horticulture is a central industry here. The facts are clear: the potential for cooperation between university and stakeholders in agricultural value chains is huge. In order to take these regional characteristics into account, the TransRegINT project is cooperating closely with the Agrobusiness Niederrhein association.

Agrobusiness Niederrhein e. V. is a network for everyone involved in the agricultural value chain: from farm to fork, from greenhouse to flower bed. Regina Bach is the interface between the HSRW team and her colleagues at the association’s headquarters in Straelen. With her heart and head sometimes in Straelen, sometimes in Kleve or Kamp-Lintfort, her aim is to establish close links between representatives of the green sector and the university. The cooperation aims to strengthen both the economic and ecological resilience of the region.

The students and staff at the university contribute scientific expertise and innovative research approaches, while Agrobusiness Niederrhein e.V. makes its extensive network of companies, institutions and initiatives from the agribusiness sector available. This synergy makes it possible to tackle the region’s challenges comprehensively and develop practicable solutions – be it through joint workshops, research projects or events that serve to transfer knowledge and network the stakeholders.

The vision is to make the Lower Rhine a model region for sustainable development. This also includes supporting agriculture and horticulture in the transformation process towards an innovative, resilient and inclusive agricultural centre in the Lower Rhine region that can serve as a model for other regions.

Are you facing a particular challenge – on the farm, in the field, in the greenhouse? Would you like support in making decisions? Or do you simply want to get to know young, committed people and win them over to your sector? Please feel free to get in touch!

Current and former projects

Regionalisation as a driver of rural development in the Lower Rhine region

The LEADER region “”Leistende Landschaften” aims to raise the region’s profile as a strong agribusiness region. Together with students from the Agribusiness Bachelor’s degree programme at the Faculty of Life Sciences led by Prof. Tobias Wünscher, it is working on various issues relating to rural development in the summer semester of 2024. The task: to identify the potential of local agricultural value creation. One example: How can retailers promote the sale of locally produced food?

Students as guests at Edeka Brüggemeier in Kevelaer-Winnekendonk

Digital marketing: companies benefit from student learning

In the summer semester of 2024, 10 companies from Agrobusiness Niederrhein e.V. took the opportunity to have their online presence analysed by students on the BA International Business Management course at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. The aim: to optimise the company websites through individual recommendations. Read more

Peat reduction in horticulture

Peat is increasingly being criticised in plant cultivation due to its negative impact on the climate and biodiversity. Sustainable alternatives are being sought. But are consumers going along with this? Students on the marketing course taught by Prof Dr Marina Gregoric, Professor of Business Administration and Marketing at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, investigated the marketing of peat-free potted plants in 2023. Their conclusion: peat-free products have potential among informed consumers who are aware of the harmful effects of peat on the climate. However, clear labelling is required, among other things.

Students on the day of the final presentations