From June 2-10-June 20th 2014, students of the IARD Master program participated in a fascinating excursion that took place in the United Kingdom (England). It was planned and jointly organized by Fulda University and the University of Kassel, whom together are in charge of the teaching of another Master program focused on Agri-food chains and consumer studies.

Therefore, students from the IARD program (registered in Göttingen University) received an invitation to join the trip.

The main topic of the excursion was sustainability, or in other words, "Global Thinking- Local Responsibility". Three days were spent in England's capital, London, and the rest of the days in Oxford. From Oxford, the group traveled each day depending on the corresponding activity planned for the day.

Different organizations, farms and other enterprises were visited. Among the main places visited and activities that were done are the following:

1. The Bakehouse: an organic traditional bakery established in London 4 years ago. Among its characteristics are high quality breads, the using of traditional and natural ingredients, and the daily delivering system by bike of fresh bread. It was an interesting business model for any sustainable entrepreneur. (http://e5bakehouse.com)

2. Skip Garden-King's Cross (Capital Growth/Global Generation): A meeting was held at Skip Garden in vibrant London. There Sarah Williams presented Capital Growth, which is an initiative between London Food Link, the Mayor of London, and the Big Lottery's Local Food Fund. Their main objective is to develop a London food strategy, by creating growing spaces for food in the city, in an urban agriculture concept and landscape project. The food is for direct consumption, but the harvesting surpluses are sold in stores and markets. Also, there was a talk about Global Generation organization. They teach and instruct young people and entrepreneurs in sustainability approaches to apply in urban areas. The Skip Garden-King's Cross was a clear example of a sustainable producing garden, where different volunteers and students work, and which is also used as an events spot. (http://www.globalgeneration.org.uk/ http://www.capitalgrowth.org )

3. The Organic Research Center: Established in 1980, the Organic Research Center is a registered charity whose aim is to support sustainable land use and agricultural production. The ORC works with different local farmers, and performs research on different topics that go from agro-ecological production systems, to certification schemes.


The group of students participating in the excursion at the entrance of the Organic Research Center.

4. Stonehenge: A visit to this world's heritage UNESCO site was organized for the students during the weekend. It is one of Europe's most famous prehistoric monuments (from the Neolithic era).

5. Oxford city tour: A guided city tour through one of England's most emblematic cities showed the students the city's main museums and Oxford University's main colleges.


One of Oxford's Churches can be observed here.

6. Doves Farm/ Doves Farm Foods: This consisted of a family farm of 145 ha and a flourmill. In the farm, traditional wheat, rye, oats and barley are the main crops. Sheep are also an important part of it, which feed on clover and chicory graze land. After visiting the farm the group went to the flour-mill plant. There around 10,000 tons of flour are milled per year. The production lines include gluten free, organic and conventional. Other tan flour itself, finished products include biscuits, cookies, pasta and cereals. (http://www.dovesfarm.co.uk).


Mr. Michael Marriage gave an interesting talk about wheat and rye production.


The group of students after the tour through the Doves Farm Foods flour-mill plant.

7. Triodos Bank: The group traveled to the city of Bristol, where they visited Triodos Bank. This Bank applies a sustainable banking concept, by investing only in sustainable projects and lending money only to sustainable initiatives that meet economic, social and environmental criteria. The areas that the Bank is involved in are wide and comprise culture, health, renewable energy, and organic production projects among others. (www.triodos.co.uk/)

8. Soil Association: This organization is the UK's largest organic certification body. It is not financed by the government, and focuses on doing research and enhancing relationships between its partners, stakeholders and the environment. Its founding can be traced back to 1946 (http://www.soilassociation.org).

9. Dutchy Farm: This farm has been property of the English royalty since 1337. Since 1985 the farm's system was completely transformed into organic. It is composed of 1900 acres and 750 are being cultivated. Wheat cultivation, beef and dairy production are a part of the farm's activities. The farm has an interesting agro-forestry system integrating trees, potatoes and vegetables. Their products are sold as certified organic in different shops across Great Britain.

10. Sheep Drove Farm: Established more than 30 years ago, the farm is chemical-free and has a landscape and system as close to its natural state as possible. The concepts of animal welfare, self-sufficiency and soil health are part of the farm's core objectives. (http://farm.sheepdrove.com)



Additional pictures from the trip:


The IARD Students at Tower Bridge in London. From left to right: Pamela Velasco, Andrea Juarez, Eylin Madrid.


One of the main streets in the city of Bristol.


Mr. David Wilson of the Duchy Home Farm, explaining the students the way they take care of dairy cows reducing antibiotic use.