European University Alliance for Sustainable Food Systems
Geisenheim University is part of the EU-GIFT Alliance, a consortium comprising seven higher education institutions from Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, Hungary, Romania, and Germany, along with more than 30 partner organizations. EU-GIFT stands for "European University for Geographical Identity as a driver for Food Systems Transition to Sustainability."
The alliance fosters European cooperation in teaching, research, and innovation, with a particular focus on sustainable food and beverage systems and regional value chains. Key areas of emphasis include viticulture, agriculture, food production, and sustainability.
Together, we are shaping sustainable food systems in Europe
EU-GIFT connects universities, research institutions, and industry partners with the aim of further developing sustainable food systems in Europe. The initiative focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration and the cross-border exchange of knowledge and experience.
Collaborative solutions are being developed across the entire food and beverage value chain - ranging from sustainable agriculture and resource-efficient processing to future-oriented consumption - while giving equal consideration to ecological, economic and social aspects. Through practice-oriented research, innovative teaching formats and close cooperation with regional stakeholders, the alliance strengthens knowledge transfer between the scientific community and society.
EU-GIFT at Geisenheim University
Participation in EU-GIFT opens up new opportunities for Geisenheim University to expand its international networks and actively engage in European research and teaching collaborations. Together with its partner universities, the university is working on seven work packages covering topics ranging from mobility and teaching to research and sustainability.
Geisenheim University is taking a leading role in Work Package 6—“Inclusion, Third Mission & Sustainability”—contributing its expertise in the fields of sustainability and societal transformation.
A particular focus is placed on practice-oriented approaches such as living labs, where the scientific community and regional stakeholders collaborate on solutions for sustainable food systems.
AGRI-FOOD WEEK 2026
From 22 to 25 September 2026, Geisenheim University is hosting AGRI-FOOD WEEK, as part of the EU-GIFT initiative towards more sustainable food systems, with a focus on geographical identity and cultural heritage.
Surrounded by vineyards and fields, the university will be a meeting place for anyone with an interest into the future of food, agriculture, and landscape development.The programme offers a wide range of insights and invites school children, students, researchers, and the general public to get actively involved.
Starting out with an ’Expedition to Juice - Saftari’ at our children’s university, a schedule has been compiled to fit both internal and external target groups: there will be taster sessions for potential students, accompanied by demonstrations on food safety and processing as well as research meetings of the EUVRIN Working Group on Fertilisation & Irrigation or the 25th Rhine-Main Municipal Tree Care Conference for local authorities and professionals. On Friday, lecture halls, labs, and learning hubs will open for a whole afternoon and evening of research and science.
AGRI-FOOD WEEK brings together science, practice and the public, inviting visitors to discover fascinating opportunities and to share knowledge, right at their doorstep.
International collaboration, innovative university services, and shared European education standards
During two international Staff Weeks, Geisenheim University welcomed colleagues from across the EU-GIFT partner universities to strengthen cooperation, exchange best practices, and advance the European University Alliance.
