In the run-up to Güne Woche in Berlin, the Zentralverband Gartenbau (ZVG) held an extended Presidium meeting on January 15, 2026. Under the theme "Research meets practice", ZVG President Eva Kähler-Theuerkauf (pictured below) emphasized the central role of research, teaching, and knowledge transfer in the transformation of horticulture.
Projects on energy-efficient greenhouses, renewable energies, and innovations in urban green spaces demonstrated the potential of close cooperation between science and practice. However, this requires permanently secured research structures, strong horticultural university teaching, and well-trained specialists. Horticulture makes concrete contributions to climate adaptation, quality of life, and sustainable development—if politicians create reliable framework conditions and enable investment.
© ZVG/ Rafalzyk
ZVG President Eva Kähler-Theuerkauf emphasized the importance of research and practice for the future of horticulture at the extended presidium meeting. Photo: ZVG/Rafalzyk
Two years ago, the "Measures Package for the Future of Horticulture" already pointed out the increasing weakening of horticultural teaching and research. In 2025, the measures package was included in the coalition agreement. The ZVG emphasizes that the preservation and strengthening of scientific structures affects the entire horticultural sector: further cuts in research, teaching, and university capacities jeopardize innovation, knowledge transfer, and the skilled labor base – both in businesses and in administration, consulting, and politics.
At the extended ZVG meeting, Prof. Annette Hohe from the University of Applied Sciences in Erfurt presented the "Green Campus" there, which aims to combine science and teaching with practical application. Dr. Volker Dworak from the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB) in Potsdam presented automated weed control in direct-seeded vegetable crops with "JaetRobi". Herbert Siemes from the Viehweg nursery explained the new roof plants that had caused a stir in the "Green Roofs and Environmental Education in Mönchengladbach" project at BORUSSIA-PARK.
For more information:
https://www.derdeutschegartenbau.de
