Széchenyi István University’s first summer graduation ceremony was held at the Albert Kázmér Mosonmagyaróvár Faculty on 5 July. Dr Tamás Tóth, Dean, and Dr István Nagy, Minister of Agriculture, welcomed the new graduates. At the event, the State Stud Farm at Szilvásvárad was awarded the title of model farm.

During the graduation ceremony at the Albert Kázmér Mosonmagyaróvár Faculty of Széchenyi István University, Dean Dr Tamás Tóth highlighted that the faculty's training and research portfolio now focusses on the most advanced precision technologies, agricultural digitalization, environmental protection, rural development, and sustainable food and raw material production. "Recently, we have emphasized the expansion of our Hungarian and English-taught programmes, launching a total of eleven new Bachelor’s, Master’s, and microcredit short courses," he stressed. Among the latter courses, he mentioned the microbiological laboratory technician, infrastructure monitoring, agri-geoinformatics, and agri-digitalization. Additionally, new specialized programmes include precision livestock and management engineering, hydrogen systems engineer-specialist, and drone technology engineer-specialist. Furthermore, a new Bachelor's programme (agricultural and business digitalization) and two new Master's programmes (agricultural economist, ESG – environmental, social, and governance specialist) have also been established.

Graduates acquired valuable knowledge for the labour market during their university studies.(Photo: András Adorján)

The dean mentioned that following previous investments, further significant developments are planned: Széchenyi István University and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Uni-Agro-Food Ltd., received more than HUF 1.7 billion in non-repayable funding under the government's Rural Development Programme. As a result, the institution – supplementing this significant amount with HUF 130 million of its own resources – will develop the Smart Farm training farm and milk processing infrastructure in Mosonmagyaróvár for educational, demonstration, and research purposes.

Dr István Nagy, Minister of Agriculture and former student of the faculty, also greeted the graduates, declaring: they are the key to the future, holding the answers to the challenges of the 21st century. "The mission of the Ministry of Agriculture is to promote the widespread adoption of precision farming and the use of digital technologies. It is also essential to have open-minded, innovative professionals with the latest knowledge working in agriculture and the food industry. Thanks to our support system, we have historical-scale resources available, but it is equally important to have those who think strategically and seize the opportunity in a future-oriented way, and who can use modern digital tools. Without competitive knowledge, there is no competitive agriculture. For this, quality higher education in agriculture and a closely collaborating research background are needed," he emphasized.

Dr János Iváncsics, Deputy Mayor of Mosonmagyaróvár, Dr István Nagy, Minister of Agriculture, and Dr Tamás Tóth, Dean (Photo: Máté Dudás)

At the ceremony, Dr János Iváncsics, Deputy Mayor of Mosonmagyaróvár, and Csombor Zsolt Kovács, President of the Mosonmagyaróvár Farmers’ Association, also shared their thoughts with the new graduates.

In keeping with Mosonmagyaróvár traditions, the municipality honoured the graduates as honorary citizens of the city. (Photo: András Adorján)

Following the oath-taking, the receipt of diplomas, and the farewell to the graduates, student awards were presented, followed by the awarding of the “Model Farm” title. The State Stud Farm Szilvásvárad received this honour, with the certificate being accepted by Dávid Cseri, director of the stud farm and former student of the faculty.

Gábor Zsolt Horváth, certified agricultural engineer and former president of the faculty's student council, received the Pro Auditoribus award with gold distinction (pictured left).