The 18th edition of the IFAMA (International Food and Agribusiness Management Association) Business School Competition took place this year in New Zealand.
This Association has been bringing science and technology closer to agribusiness for more than 40 years The aim is to find a formula for continuing to feed a growing population. It draws on input from the world’s leading academics and students, industry and NGO professionals and policymakers. Together they seek to improve the strategic focus, transparency, sustainability and responsiveness of the food and agribusiness system.
Agribusiness Case Study Competition
Since 2005, it also draws on the ideas of students and young agribusiness professionals through the only International Student Case Competition for early career professionals in the agribusiness sector. This provides them with a global stage to demonstrate their analytical and problem-solving skills while giving their respective schools or universities a venue to showcase the next generation of change agents in the agribusiness sector.
The theme of this year’s competition focused on ‘Transforming the global food and fibre system: global innovation for a resilient, nature-friendly and food-secure future’.
This event is divided into three main areas, an academic symposium, the case study competition with students from different countries around the world and the business forum, which allows attendees to have a global vision of how scientific research and agribusiness complement each other.
Twenty-two groups competed in the case studies. The ISAM team in the Master’s student category was composed of Jorge Bittner (Chile), Nour Kayello (Lebanon), Ricardo Soto (Mexico) and Mauricio Díaz (Mexico).
Award for ISAM agribusiness students
In addition, ISAM has made its debut in the Young Professionals category, thanks to Michelle Marais (South Africa), a former MIAM student (who was already a winner last year), together with two other contestants, who won second prize. “I thank ISAM for believing in me and for making these amazing opportunities available to young people in agriculture. Also to my teammates, Rebekkah Amende and Grace Mainwaring, whom I met just minutes before the start of one of the toughest competitions I have done so far. Together with 21 other teams, we spent several hours working and proudly made it to the final, finishing second in our category. A well-deserved victory for our FoodHQ competitors, we have learned a lot from you and your innovative frameworks”, she said via Linkedin.
New Zealand takes over from Spain, where the next edition of IFAMA will be held in June 2024. It will be hosted by ISAM in Almeria, which is a major milestone as it positions the institution, Almeria and Spain at the global epicentre of agribusiness training.
