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10/09/2024 | Campus-Meldung

Professor Niklas Medal awarded to Jürgen Heß

The Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, Cem Özdemir, presented the Professor Niklas Medals at the Political Harvest Thanksgiving of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). This year's recipients of the BMEL's highest award for special commitment in the field of nutrition, agriculture and forestry were Petra Bentkämper, President of the German Rural Women's Association, the farmer and expert in agro-forestry systems Thomas Domin, Prof. Dr. Jürgen Heß, pioneer of organic research and long-standing head of department at the University of Kassel, and Dr. Brigitte Rusche, long-standing Vice President and Scientific Director of the German Animal Welfare Association.

Group picture.Image: BMEL
Federal Minister Cem Özdemir (right) and Prof. Dr. Jürgen Heß (3rd from right).

At the award ceremony,Federal Minister Cem Özdemir said: "Today we are honoring four outstanding personalities who have significantly shaped and continue to shape the agricultural profession in Germany and the work of our ministry. They have all done pioneering work in their respective fields - in animal welfare and equality in rural areas, for organic farming research and for the advancement of agroforestry. They have been advisors and critics at the same time and have always driven the further development of our agriculture and food industry with passion and great expertise. They show that personal commitment, conviction and a clear compass for the future make a difference. They show that shaping the future is possible! I would like to thank them from the bottom of my heart for their tireless commitment."

Heß was Head of the Department of Organic Agriculture and Crop Production at the University of Kassel from 1997 to 2021. Since 2021, he has been Chairman of the Board of the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture Germany.

The Professor Niklas Medal is the highest award of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture. It recognizes special services and outstanding commitment to food, agriculture and forestry as well as achievements for the benefit of people working in this field.