September 17, 2026

The Leibniz Institute of Horticultural Sciences (IGZ) and the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg), Taiwan, have signed a memorandum of understanding to deepen their scientific collaboration and jointly advance research into sustainable horticulture.

Against the backdrop of shared scientific interests and a successful history of cooperation, both institutions have intensified their discussions on closer collaboration. The Memorandum of Understanding now signed provides the formal framework for this.

The IGZ and WorldVeg pursue complementary research approaches with numerous overlapping areas of focus. Both institutions are committed to developing sustainable, resilient and resource-efficient horticultural production systems, as well as to improving food security and health through science-based innovations.
The future collaboration will focus on launching new research projects of mutual interest and the support of early-career researchers through training opportunities and research visits at the partner institution.

Prof. Dr Nicole van Dam, Scientific Director of the IGZ: “This memorandum of understanding strengthens our partnership with the World Vegetable Center, one of the world's leading institutions for vegetable genetic resources, vegetable quality and horticultural research, particularly in the Global South. More than a formal agreement, it marks the beginning of concrete joint activities. By promoting the exchange of early-career researchers, we will foster scientific collaboration, strengthen international networks and provide valuable international experience at an early stage of researchers' careers.”

Dr. Marco Wopereis, Director General of WorldVeg when the partnership was agreed: “We are delighted to deepen our partnership with the Leibniz Institute of Horticultural Sciences. IGZ brings outstanding scientific expertise and a strong tradition of connecting fundamental and applied research to some of the major challenges facing horticulture, nutrition and our environment. These strengths are highly complementary to WorldVeg’s research priorities and partnerships. By working together, we can generate new knowledge, nurture the next generation of scientists, and turn innovation in vegetable and horticultural research into practical options for healthier diets, more resilient livelihoods and sustainable food systems worldwide.“

With this agreement, the IGZ and WorldVeg are laying the foundations for a long-term partnership that will strengthen international networking in vegetable research and provide new impetus for tackling global challenges in agriculture and food systems.

The Leibniz for Horticultural Sciences – formerly Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops – is a research institute of the Leibniz Association and contributes to solving current global challenges with science-based findings from basic and applied research in horticulture. These include the preservation of biodiversity, combating climate change and the still widespread malnutrition. The institute is jointly funded by the Ministry of Science, Research and Culture of the State of Brandenburg (MWFK) and the Federal Ministry Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH). The IGZ is based in Großbeeren.
Website: www.igzev.de

World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg)
The World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) is an international non-profit institute for vegetable research and development. It delivers science and innovation to enhance vegetable production and consumption in a rapidly changing world.
WorldVeg is an established leader in nutrition, livelihoods, and resilience. As the custodian of global vegetable diversity and breeder of vegetable crops, WorldVeg operates at the forefront of food system transformation. Through partnerships, WorldVeg drives both the demand and supply of vegetables, while strengthening the conditions - policies, markets, and capacities - that enable systemic change. With headquarters in Taiwan, field operations are led through regional centers in Benin, India, Mali, Tanzania, and Thailand, alongside country offices across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Website: www.worldveg.org

Website: https://avrdc.org/

Published: September 17, 2026