AACC in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq to support the visit of an Iraqi large landowner and expert on agronomy and crop sciences
11-13 March 2024 – Austria
Between March 11th and 13th, the AACC , in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq, facilitated a delegation led by Mr. Azad Mohammed ABDULLAH, a prominent Iraqi landowner and a peerless expert in agrology. The delegation's objective was to engage in substantive dialogues and knowledge exchange with prominent Austrian actors in the spheres of agriculture, academia, and public institutions. Mr. Azad's particular focus lay on pioneering research and technology, as well as the strategic deployment of multi-seasonal agriculture, innovative plant breeding techniques, and unconventional initiatives aimed at augmenting agricultural productivity and efficiency.
Improved processes and innovative plant crossing methods lead to higher yields in grapes, soybeans and sunflowers
During his visit, Mr. Azad engaged in discussions with distinguished scholars from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), such as with Univ.Prof. Dr. Hans-Peter KAUL, serving as Head of the Institute of Agronomy and Deputy for the Department of Crop Sciences and with Univ.Prof. Dr. Johann VOLLMANN, both esteemed figures renowned for their expertise in plant grafting and enhanced production methodologies.
Mr. Azad showcased his groundbreaking pioneer work in plant grafting techniques and unprecedented approaches to inter-crossing botanical families, aimed at mitigating diseases and enhancing agricultural productivity. Notably, he demonstrated his unconventional self-developed methodology, which has yielded remarkable results, such as doubling the productivity of sunflowers and successfully hybridizing soybeans with rapeseeds to develop a more resilient and productive plant species. His innovative endeavors hold immense potential to revolutionize the agricultural production, thereby positively impacting global food security.
During his visit to the BOKU agriculture research facilities in Tulln, Mr. Azad observed the intricacies of the plant grafting process and contributed insights gleaned from his extensive experience, thereby offering valuable perspectives for potential enhancements. Following this engagement, BOKU extended an official invitation to Mr. Azad to participate in this year's soy planting activities in Austria.
In addition to engagements with representatives from the agricultural science and research sectors, Mr. Azad was graciously received by key figures within the Austrian farming and agricultural business community.
For instance, Mr. Azad and his delegation were warmly greeted by Mr. Werner PERLINGER, the Managing Director of Perlinger Gemüse GmbH, located in Burgenland. They were afforded an enlightening tour of the company's advanced production facilities and state-of-the-art glasshouses.
Furthermore, the delegation was courteously hosted at the production sites of Fritz Mauthner Handelsg.M.B.H. and Probstorfer Staatszucht in Probstdorf. Mr. Felix GOHN, the Managing Director, accompanied by Mr. Marco GÖTTFRIED, the company's Lead in Seed Research and Development, provided an overview of the latest advancements in research and production technologies.
Moreover, discussions with Mr. Andreas FRÖHLICH, Cluster Lead DACH & Balkans, representing Cimbria Heid, centered on emerging technological trends relevant to agricultural pumps and machinery.
Concurrently, Mr. Azad received an insightful introduction to the activities and network of the Austrian Agricultural Cluster, under the leadership of Mag. WIESER, the Managing Director of AAC, and Mag. DVORAK, the Assistant to the Managing Director. The discussions underscored the pivotal role of collaborative endeavors in nurturing agricultural innovation.
The AACC is gratified by the productive exchanges and dialogues between the Iraqi delegation and Austrian research and industry luminaries, and remains committed to facilitating potential future collaborations.
Categories: Reports