“The University of Debrecen works in cooperation systems, but there are partnerships whose impact is decisive for the future. One such partnership is the cooperation between the University of Debrecen (UD) and South Dakota State University (SDSU). This is the opening of an era, a very important milestone, not only for the University of Debrecen, but also for our country. It is a particular pleasure that we can conclude this cooperation in one of the strategic areas of our institution, in support of agricultural science. I believe that our institutions can learn a lot from each other and we can do a lot to solve the global challenges of agriculture”, said Zoltán Szilvássy upon signing the cooperation agreement. The rector of the University of Debrecen added that negotiations have begun in several areas.
The Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management of the University of Debrecen launched the BSc degree program in precision agricultural engineering in 2023, which is unique not only in Hungary but also in Europe. The specialty of the program is that it is based entirely on precision agricultural technologies. The program has accreditation in both Hungarian and English.
Dennis Hedge, Provost of South Dakota State University, said the cooperation provides a good foundation for further development of the new sector of agriculture.
“Precision agriculture, which maximizes production and makes the future sustainable, will play an even greater role in the coming period. Best practices, data-based, Big Data and robotics-supported agricultural technology are all elements of our cooperation, which we will raise to the highest level. Our students and professors will be mutually enriched by our partnership, as new perspectives open before them, which lead to innovations and new discoveries. I believe that this is our first joint celebration which will be followed by many more”, said Dennis Hedge, Provost of South Dakota State University.
Endre Harsányi, Vice-Rector for Sector Development of the University of Debrecen, responsible for the development of agricultural and food sciences, said “the cooperation between the University of Debrecen and South Dakota State University in the joint degree program in precision agriculture is not only of outstanding scientific and educational significance, but also a common and forward-looking response to global challenges.
“This cooperation includes everything we expect from 21st century higher education and research: internationality, innovation, practice-orientation and a commitment to sustainability. The future of agriculture depends on how we can use the technologies available to us efficiently, wisely and responsibly. And universities, especially the students who are still studying today but will make decisions tomorrow, have a key role in this process. This cooperation gives them the opportunity to combine the knowledge of two continents and become the agricultural leaders of the future”, said Endre Harsányi.
Speaking about the challenges of agriculture, István Jakab, Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament, emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation. He said, “during precision agricultural engineering training, our students not only acquire professional knowledge but also learn a different method, a new way of thinking, which is essential in tackling problems”.
“The cooperation between the University of Debrecen and South Dakota State University provides tangible results for agricultural actors, students and professors. It provides real tools and skills for the agricultural professionals of the future. I thank the leaders of the universities who believed in the freedom of education, science and innovation. This cooperation is an investment in prosperity and agriculture. I believe that this partnership will be the basis for further cooperation”, said Robert Palladino, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the United States of America in Hungary.
According to Illés Boglárka, State Secretary for Bilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the University of Debrecen’s commitment to science is demonstrated not only by its position in international rankings but also by this agreement. She highlighted that the program holds enormous potential in the areas of, among others, climate change resilience, innovative solutions related to soil conservation, and the promotion of productivity and sustainability.
“This is an agreement between universities, a bridge that builds on knowledge, experience, and trust in the future. Knowledge is our most important resource in the 21st century, in a world where change is the only constant, only well-educated, thoughtful, open-minded young people are able to successfully navigate and develop. The cooperation between UD and SDSU provides a unique opportunity for the young generation, with cross-border knowledge transfer, joint research programs and student mobility”, said Oszkár Ökrös, Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture.
Béla Kocsy, Agricultural and Food Industry Attaché at the Hungarian Embassy in Washington, D.C. said that the agreement was a result of the dedicated work of the institutions’ leaders and professors. “It is time to make agriculture great again”, Béla Kocsy announced.
Under the agreement between the University of Debrecen and South Dakota State University, precision agricultural engineering students of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management will begin and complete the first three semesters of their education in Debrecen, in the framework of the study program jointly organized by UD and SDSU. In the fourth and fifth semesters, students can continue their studies in the American education system online or in person at SDSU’s Brookings campus. In the sixth and seventh semesters, UD students will return to the Böszörményi út campus and complete the BSc in precision agricultural engineering and fulfill the requirements for the SDSU B.S. degree in precision agriculture.
Press Centre - ÉE
