Federal Office for Agriculture and Food

plants in the laboratory Laboratory trials with plants Laboratory trials on the utilization of pineapple residues for mulching or as a fertilizer replacement. Source: Reena Macagga

Bilateral research cooperation

Created with the idea of dialogue in partnership, the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) maintains bilateral relations with many countries in joint fields of interest. Research partnerships allow the mutual exchange of ideas and solutions and they facilitate dialogue. By means of a PhD programme, the BMEL also promotes the training and networking of young scientists.

Based on special country agreements, the BMEL promotes bilateral research projects between German departmental research institutions and research institutions in the partner countries. Currently, research projects with Japan and New Zealand are ongoing. On behalf of the BMEL, the BLE as the project-managing agency is responsible for administrative matters and provides technical support for the research projects.

BMEL PhD Programme

The BMEL PhD programme provides an opportunity for young scientists from countries of the Global South to carry out research work in German departmental research institutions and at the BMEL-affiliated Leibniz Institutes. As part of their doctorate or as postdocs, young scientists work in projects related to agriculture, nutrition, forestry, nutrition and health, food safety and consumer protection. The PhD programme aims to strengthen young scientists and to build long-term research partnerships and networks. A special feature of the programme is its combination of scientific work and policy advice.

On behalf of the BMEL, the BLE as the project-managing agency, is responsible for administrative matters and provides technical support for these research projects. To date, the BMEL has funded three programme cycles in Sub-Saharan Africa, Iran as well as Sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia.