Blog - MBA Education

AGRIMBA Network and e-AgriMBA Project Seminar: 30 YEARS OF AGRIMBA NETWORK at Czech University of Life Sciences, PragueFriday - 13 June 2025

AGRIMBA Network and e-AgriMBA Project Seminar: 30 YEARS OF AGRIMBA NETWORK
at Czech University of Life Sciences, PragueFriday - 13 June 2025

As the AGRIMBA network celebrated its 30th anniversary, a special seminar brought together long-standing contributors and new voices to reflect on the achievements and future of the international MBA programme in agribusiness. The event underscored AGRIMBA’s transformation from a regional academic collaboration into a globally recognised and professionally impactful network running the e-AgriMBA project for its further development.

Professor Edward Majewski (Warsaw University of Life Sciences) offered a historical perspective on the early foundations of AGRIMBA Network. He recalled the challenging post-communist context in which the programme was first developed, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, and how the initiative helped modernise agribusiness education in the region. He highlighted AGRIMBA’s unique structure — a decentralised but cohesive network — as key to its adaptability. He spoke of Poland’s instrumental role and the pride in seeing programme alumni hold leadership positions in academia, business, and government across Europe.

Dr. Rasa Pakeltienė representing ICA (Association for European Life Science Universities) presented a vivid account of how AGRIMBA had a transformative effect on the ICA network. She emphasised how the programme enhanced academic standards, internationalised the curriculum, and strengthened the role of economics and management in agricultural faculties. She celebrated AGRIMBA not just as a programme, but as a platform for post-Soviet integration into European education, citing increased student and staff mobility, joint research projects, and institutional partnerships as tangible successes.

From the alumni and coordination perspective, dr Olga Kovtun (National University of Life & Environmental Sciences of Ukraine) shared how AGRIMBA has created a community that goes beyond education. She detailed how graduates have moved into influential roles in public administration and agribusiness, often returning to mentor or collaborate with current students. Her reflections highlighted the continuity of relationships across generations of students and professors, a defining feature of the AGRIMBA ethos.

Professor Wim Heijman (former Secretary General of Agrimba, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague) reinforced the programme’s academic legacy, noting the consistent balance between rigour and relevance. He spoke of the integration of disciplines — from rural development and regional economics to policy and management — that gave AGRIMBA its distinctive academic identity. He also pointed to published research and doctoral collaborations as evidence of the network’s contribution to scholarship.

The seminar also highlighted AGRIMBA’s expanding global reach, particularly through its engagements in Mongolia and the newest e-AgriMBA Project in Moldova. In Mongolia, professor Tumur Erdenechuluun (Mongolian University of Life Sciences) described the successful adaptation process of the MBA programme to a vastly different cultural, linguistic, and institutional environment. The collaboration with Mongolia’s Ministry of Education was key in establishing programme relevance and navigating recognition challenges, especially with respect to neighbouring countries. Meanwhile, in Moldova, early steps have been taken to integrate AGRIMBA into the academic landscape, including student outreach, writing workshops, and promotional events such as “Made in Moldova.” – reported by professor Aurelia Litvin (Technical University of Moldova). Both cases demonstrate the AGRIMBA programme’s flexibility and its potential to inspire institutional innovation beyond Europe, underscoring the network’s ability to bridge academic and professional development across diverse contexts.

Adding to the session, professor Bruce Ahrendsen (University of Arkansas) provided a strategic outlook. He encouraged the network to build on its strong base by embracing digital tools as these developed withing the e-AgriMBA Project , expanding its international partnerships beyond Europe, and aligning with pressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, and sustainable development. He also underscored the importance of nurturing young scholars (examples of the successful Green Week programmes running for 20 years) and ensuring the programme remains innovative and accessible.

Poland was recognised as one of the foundational pillars of the AGRIMBA network, according to professor Agata Malak-Rawlikowska (Warsaw University of Life Sciences), the current AGRIMBA Chairwoman. The e-AgriMBA project and MBA programme’s implementation there marked a major step in modernising agribusiness education in Central and Eastern Europe during the post-communist transition. Polish institutions, particularly the Warsaw University of Life Sciences, played a key role in adapting the AGRIMBA model to local academic and economic contexts. The Polish programme became a benchmark for others in the region, producing graduates who have gone on to hold prominent positions in academia, business, and public administration. Poland’s sustained engagement and leadership within the network reflect both the success of its national programme and its commitment to AGRIMBA’s international vision.

Together, these reflections painted a rich portrait of AGRIMBA Network as a pioneering and enduring initiative. What began as an ambitious academic experiment has matured into a respected institution — one that continues to shape agribusiness leadership and education across borders.