From Slovenia to New Zealand: Cultivating Global Innovation in Agri-Food

Can international collaboration solve the future of food? On March 12, 2026, a significant step was taken toward answering that question.

Facilitated by the EU International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) programme, an online Academic Exchange Workshop brought together the Regional Development Agency of the Ljubljana Urban Region (RRA LUR) and Massey University in New Zealand. The goal? To bridge the gap between Europe and the Pacific in the vital fields of agriculture and food technology.

Strengthening Regional & Academic Ties

The event, organized by Ms. Tina Pezdirc Nograšek of RRA LUR and co-hosted by New Zealand’s CEDA (Manawatu region) led by Ms. Ashley O’Neill,  and Mr. Matt Lamb of Venture Taranaki, served as a matchmaking hub.

Key representatives, including Dr. Paul Dalziel (IURC Country Coordinator for New Zealand) and leadership from both regions, discussed how regional development and university research can work hand-in-hand to drive economic growth and sustainability.

The Power of Exchange: University of Ljubljana & Massey University

At the heart of the workshop was the potential for a new partnership between two academic powerhouses:

• University of Ljubljana (Biotechnical Faculty): Represented by Katarina Rihtarčič and Professor Lea Pogačnik da Silva, the Slovenian team highlighted their expertise in biochemistry and their robust student/staff exchange frameworks.
• Massey University: Professors Paul Kenyon and Jamie S. Quinton showcased Massey’s world-class facilities, including its renowned food pilot campus and extensive research capabilities in sheep husbandry and food technology.

Strategic Outcomes: The Erasmus+ Connection

The most exciting takeaway from the meeting was the shared commitment to establishing a formal cooperation framework. Key decisions included:

1. Erasmus+ K171 Focus: Both institutions identified the Erasmus International Credit Mobility program as the ideal vehicle for future student and staff exchanges.
2. Focus Areas: Cooperation will prioritize Food Technology, Agriculture, and Agronomy—fields where both universities hold complementary strengths.
3. A Structured Roadmap: Rather than a one-off meeting, this collaboration will follow a phased approach to align with academic timelines and institutional procedures.

Why It Matters

This collaboration represents more than just academic credits; it is about building a global knowledge network. By connecting the innovations of the Ljubljana Urban Region with the agricultural expertise of New Zealand, they are empowering the next generation of researchers to tackle global food security and climate challenges together.