Top European Universities Launch Cutting-Edge Sustainable Agriculture Master's Degree

Erasmus Mundus SUSTAGRI Master's Program Set to Revolutionize Sustainable Farming Education

In a notable step towards advancing sustainable agriculture education, representatives from the Agricultural University of Athens in Greece, the University of Tras-os-Montes and Alto Douro in Portugal, and the Public University of Navarre (UPNA) recently convened in Pamplona. Their meeting marked the finalization of plans to launch the Erasmus Mundus Master’s degree in Cutting-Edge Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture (SUSTAGRI). This innovative program is set to commence in the 2025-2026 academic year, promising to equip students with the latest knowledge and skills in sustainable agricultural practices.

The meeting included Konstantinos Soulis, Dionysios Kalyvas, and Polyxeni Tsaliagkou from the Agricultural University of Athens, and Professor José Aranha from the University of Tras-os-Montes and Alto Douro. UPNA’s delegation was led by Vice-Chancellors Inmaculada Farran Blanch and Jorge Elso Torralba, along with Master's degree coordinator Professor Javier Casalí Sarasíbar and other staff. Before the technical discussions, UPNA’s Chancellor Ramón Gonzalo hosted an institutional welcome ceremony for the Master’s degree team.

The Erasmus Mundus Master’s in Cutting-Edge Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture admits 30 students per edition, including two from Spain. Graduates will earn degrees from UPNA, the Agricultural University of Athens, and the University of Tras-os-Montes and Alto Douro. The two-year program (120 credits) is taught in English, with details on entry requirements and application deadlines available on the university’s website, where online pre-registration is open. The SUSTAGRI Master's programme, funded by the European Union with €4.7 million, trains professionals in advanced technologies for sustainable agriculture. Graduates will apply these technologies to enhance farming operations' sustainability and competitiveness, guide farmers in implementing smart systems, reduce farming's environmental impact, and pursue careers in research or academia. The programme's academic director is Professor Javier Casalí Sarasíbar, an expert in Agroforestry Engineering and a member of UPNA's IS-FOOD research institute.

This collaborative effort marks a significant advancement in sustainable agriculture education. With the launch of the SUSTAGRI Master's program, students will be empowered with cutting-edge knowledge and skills, positioning them to make impactful contributions to the agricultural sector.

Editor's Note:

The launch of the Erasmus Mundus Master’s degree in Cutting-Edge Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture (SUSTAGRI) represents a great leap forward for the agricultural sector. By equipping students with the latest advancements in sustainable farming technologies and methodologies, this program addresses some of the most pressing challenges in agriculture today. The students will learn about transforming farming practices, reducing environmental impacts and enhancing the sustainability and competitiveness of agricultural operations worldwide. The international collaboration and significant funding underscore the program's commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in agricultural education, setting a new standard for future initiatives.

Skoobuzz commends this initiative as it will prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector.