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The delegation, led by the Deputy Head of the Department of Agriculture in Henan, included key figures in livestock and food production, such as the head of the livestock department and the deputy director of the Livestock Technology Promotion Station. The group also included a researcher from the Livestock Research Institute at the Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, as well as industry leaders in cattle breeding, livestock management, dairy production, and food processing.
Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences (INN) was well represented by key personnel, including ALB’s Associate Dean for Research, Øyvind Antonsen; Head of the Department of Agricultural Sciences, Micael Wendell; Professor Sophie Krizsan; Associate Professor Cecilie Dyngeland, and Senior Advisor for Internationalization at ALB, Eliana Bontti.
The visit aimed to explore potential collaboration between Henan Province and the Department of Agricultural Sciences. The Chinese delegation provided an overview of Henan Province and its significant role in China’s agricultural and food sector. Henan is a leading province in agriculture and livestock, known for its advanced technology and extensive experience in processing agricultural and animal products. With over 150 higher education institutions, Henan is a major educational hub in China, and the delegation expressed strong interest in collaborating with INN, particularly in research and student exchanges.
During the meeting, INN introduced the delegation to its institutions and research areas. The Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences, and Biotechnology (ALB) and the Department of Agricultural Sciences were highlighted, with a special focus on research related to sustainable agriculture. Professor Sophie Krizsan shared her research on red clover as a sustainable feed resource for dairy cows, while Associate Professor Cecilie Dyngeland presented her work on assessing the sustainability of livestock grazing in Norwegian boreal forests. These presentations laid the groundwork for constructive dialogue on future areas of collaboration.
The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss the possibilities for student exchanges between INN and educational institutions in Henan. Both parties expressed strong interest in establishing closer ties through exchange programs, which would enrich both Norwegian and Chinese students with valuable international experience.
This visit from Henan Province marks the beginning of what could be a fruitful collaboration between Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences and institutions in China. By building bridges between our countries, we can develop innovative solutions to shared challenges in agriculture and sustainability, while also strengthening academic ties between Norway and China.