HES-SO Valais-Wallis brings together European experts for extrusion training focused on food technologies

HES-SO Valais-Wallis brings together European experts for extrusion training focused on food technologies

Valley partner HES-SO Valais-Wallis, The School of Engineering and the Life Sciences, recently hosted two world-class training programs dedicated to extrusion technologies. 

Organized in partnership with Dennis Forte & Associates, these courses brought together food, biomaterials and process engineering professionals in Sion, who travelled from across Europe to deepen their expertise.

These training sessions were made possible thanks to the involvement of Michael Beyrer, Professor at the School of Engineering and Head of the SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS research focus at HES-SO Valais-Wallis.

Food & feed extrusion technology

Over three days, participants explored the fundamental principles of extrusion and extruder configuration, the physical and chemical phenomena occurring inside the barrel, die design and causes of process instability and the application of these principles to cereals, snacks, textured vegetable protein, pasta as well as essential peripheral steps including preconditioning, drying, and raw-material handling.

A key programme highlight was a hands-on demonstration on the Life Sciences Institute’s pilot-scale extrusion line, an established infrastructure that enables the school to collaborate closely with industry and conduct applied R&D projects.

Extrusion scale-up and process transfer – from pilot to industrial scale

This second, more advanced module targeted specialists wishing to master process scale-up methods (from pilot to full industrial production), transfer a process from one extruder to another, quantify material rheology and critical process parameters, understand and model energy consumption, WATS, and degree of cook, and analyze and size extrusion dies. The course was also enriched with a broad variety of real-world case studies, drawn from industrial projects that had been led by the instructors.

By bringing together researchers, engineers and industry professionals for two high-level training programmes, the School of Engineering reinforced its leading role in developing key competencies for the food industry, process engineering, and biotransformation.

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Agroscope’s new work programme places a greater focus on impact and practical benefits

Agroscope’s new work programme places a greater focus on impact and practical benefits

Agroscope’s 2026-2029 Work Programme addresses the most important challenges facing the Swiss agriculture and food sector, and agricultural practitioners in particular. The focus is on six key issues to be addressed by the research institute in 42 research programmes and around 360 projects. Areas such as plant protection, plant breeding, climate-change adaptation and economic efficiency will be strengthened.

Safeguarding domestic food production, enabling farming families to earn a fair income and reducing the negative environmental impacts: these are important challenges facing the Swiss agriculture and food sector. With its new 2026-2029 Work Programme (WP), Agroscope aims to make a contribution to meeting these and further challenges, and to reducing the trade-offs of agricultural production.

Research from field and barn to plate and back

The new Work Programme continues to focus on six interlinked core themes: competitive food production, agriculture in a changing climate, protecting natural resources, agroecological production systems, cost-efficient and species-appropriate animal husbandry, and sustainable and healthy food. Agroscope conducts cross-disciplinary research across the entire agriculture and food sector on these focus areas. The aim is to develop solutions for increasing the ecological, economic and social sustainability of the agriculture and food system.

Novel developments vis-à-vis the last Work Programme

Agroscope is strengthening research in the areas facing major challenges, such as climate-change adaptation, water efficiency, crop protection, particularly in vegetable and field crops, sustainable livestock production and reduction of nutrient losses.  Since the aim is to improve the social and economic sustainability of agricultural production for farming families, research into cost-efficiency and value creation is also being expanded. The Swiss Parliament has also allocated additional funds for plant protection and plant breeding, which strengthens these particularly challenging subject areas with additional research projects.

Focus on impact and practical benefits

The motto ‘We research with and for farmers’ gains even greater importance in the new Work Programme. More systematically than before, the WP is designed for the benefit of and its impact on agricultural practice, without neglecting the basic research that is necessary for this. Each of the 42 research programmes addresses a specific topic as well as defining goals and expected impacts. The practical relevance of the projects and knowledge transfer are ensured by the strong involvement of stakeholders from agricultural practice, the Federal Administration, the agricultural extension and the Cantons.

Comprehensive assessment of needs

The Work Programme was developed via a structured process involving many sectors, associations, organisations and stakeholder groups within the agriculture and food sector. Around 70 organisations submitted over 650 proposals which were prioritised jointly. In addition, Agroscope took into account overarching strategies of the Swiss Federal Council, future visions for the agriculture and food sector, and changing social requirements.

The content of the new Work Programme has been positively received and supported by Agroscope Council. This advisory body is composed of representatives from the Federal Administration, science and agricultural practice.

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Nestlé announces two global collaborations to help scale regenerative agriculture

Nestlé announces two global collaborations to help scale regenerative agriculture

To accelerate the transition to regenerative agriculture and encourage young people to enter and lead the future of farming, Nestlé is working with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Goodwall globally.

“Regenerative agriculture is essential to the long-term resilience of our business and the global food system,” said Stephanie Hart, Chief Operations Officer of Nestlé. “By combining TNC’s conservation expertise with Goodwall’s ability to mobilize millions of young people, we can accelerate progress and build a more sustainable future for farmers, communities and the planet.”

Nestlé and TNC seek to build on the existing impactful work of the two organizations in co-developing the industry-leading Nestlé Agriculture Framework (pdf, 20Mb). The framework is Nestlé’s plan to help farmers grow better crops, earn more and care for nature at the same time. By working together with TNC, Nestlé aims to refine, expand and accelerate its efforts to support the transition to regenerative agriculture and to encourage more industry stakeholders to join the journey.

Jennifer Morris, CEO of The Nature Conservancy, said: “We are delighted to continue collaborating with Nestlé, a company that shares our commitment for a more resilient food system. Together, we can scale practical, science-based solutions that restore ecosystems, protect biodiversity and strengthen farmer livelihoods.”
Panel discussion on regenerative agriculture and the future of food at a global event

Building more resilient food systems

Bringing the next generation into the agriculture industry is essential to building more resilient food systems and securing the future of food. To demonstrate how farming can be an attractive, secure career going forward, Nestlé is partnering with Goodwall, a global youth learning platform. Nestlé will help Goodwall build its agriculture curriculum, using gamification to raise young people’s awareness and understanding of regenerative agriculture, equip them with practical skills, and empower them as agripreneurs. Through the Goodwall app, young people will be able to engage with each other to discuss practical solutions to real challenges, test their theories, and improve their ideas based on results.

Taha Bawa, Co-founder and CEO of Goodwall, added: “Young people today want to be part of real solutions. This partnership will open new pathways for them to learn, contribute and lead in the shift toward regenerative agriculture.”

Making regenerative agriculture the norm

The two initiatives mark a significant step in Nestlé’s broader abition to make regenerative agriculture the norm across its global sourcing footprint, while building a strong pipeline of next-generation agripreneurs. They follow the announcement that Nestlé is also working with the World Farmers’ Organisation to help make food systems more resilient to climate change through advocacy for fair policies and practical solutions, such as regenerative agriculture, that empower farmers and help them adapt to climate change.

These new collaborations were formally unveiled during this year’s World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, where the initial idea for collaboration was first conceived one year ago. Nestlé’s Chief Operating Officer and the CEOs of TNC and Goodwall participated in a panel moderated by Ana Maria Montero, a former CNN anchor. The event brought together business leaders, conservation experts and young entrepreneurs, who engaged in a conversation on how to collectively accelerate the transition to climate-smart, inclusive food systems.

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New production facility will support the evolution of fermentation-based food systems in Switzerland

New production facility will support the evolution of fermentation-based food systems in Switzerland

The construction of the new building dedicated to the production of Liebefeld Kulturen AG marks a key milestone for the future of Swiss cheese cultures. The building will be equipped with state-of-the-art technological infrastructure. The site will open in spring 2028.

The new building intended for the future production of Liebefeld Kulturen® will be erected on the site of the Grangeneuve competence centre, just a few hundred metres from the new Agroscope campus in Posieux. On 19 January, the groundbreaking ceremony officially marked the start of construction works, in the presence of representatives from Liebefeld Kulturen AG, the Canton of Fribourg and Agroscope.

A broadly supported collaboration

The new building, with an estimated cost of around CHF 20 million, is being developed and financed by the private company Liebefeld Kulturen AG, supported by the Swiss dairy and cheese sector.

The building, covering approximately 1,500 m² over three floors, will house production facilities, laboratories, warehouses, offices, as well as social and technical rooms, all equipped with cutting-edge technological infrastructure. Once completed in spring 2028, it will also accommodate around ten Agroscope employees.

This project is part of the ongoing development of the Agroscope Grangeneuve campus and the national competence centre for raw milk dairy products and foodstuffs.

Connecting R&D with practical application

This new building ensures that the Swiss cheese and food sector will continue to benefit from Liebefeld Kulturen®, which are recognised for their quality. More than 500 cheese dairies across Switzerland use these cultures to produce iconic cheeses such as Gruyère, Emmentaler, Appenzeller, Vacherin Fribourgeois and many others. A significant increase in capacity in the field of freeze-dried cultures will also enable the production of new innovative products. Proximity to Agroscope ensures that research and development remain directly and continuously linked to practical application.

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OneAgrix appoints Philippe Chatelain to Board of Advisors

OneAgrix appoints Philippe Chatelain to Board of Advisors

OneAgrix, a Swiss–Singapore headquartered trusted trade infrastructure company, has appointed Philippe Chatelain to its Board of Advisors as it advances its platform for regulated global trade.

Operating across regulated supply chains requires infrastructure capable of delivering end-to-end traceability, verification, and regulatory readiness across the full lifecycle of a product. OneAgrix is building systems designed to embed these capabilities directly into how trade operates, supporting auditability, cross-border execution, and long-term operational resilience.

Philippe Chatelain brings decades of hands-on experience designing and deploying traceability, serialization, authentication, and digital product passport systems across FMCG and industrial supply chains. His work spans full lifecycle monitoring, from production and marking through distribution, consumer verification, and regulatory oversight.

His appointment strengthens OneAgrix’s in-house capability to operate and govern traceability and verification systems at scale, supporting regulated trade across jurisdictions and compliance-intensive industries including food and FMCG.

“Trusted trade depends on infrastructure that works across the entire lifecycle of a product, not fragmented tools,” said Diana Sabrain, Founder and CEO of OneAgrix. “Philippe’s experience reinforces our focus on building systems that support regulatory integrity and execution discipline.”

In his advisory role, Chatelain will work closely with the OneAgrix leadership team on infrastructure strategy, governance priorities, and the scaling of trusted systems across global markets.

About OneAgrix

OneAgrix is a Swiss–Singapore headquartered company building compliance-first infrastructure for regulated food, FMCG, and adjacent industries. The platform enables lifecycle traceability, verification, and cross-border trade readiness across complex regulatory environments.

Find out more: https://www.oneagrix.com/

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The Cultured Hub unveils plant cell culturing for cocoa, coffee, and other ingredients

The Cultured Hub unveils plant cell culturing for cocoa, coffee, and other ingredients

The Future of Food: Givaudan, Nestlé R+D Accelerator Lausanne and FoodHack launch the 2025 FoodTech World Cup
Valley partner, The Cultured Hub, has announced an expansion of its service offering with the addition of plant cell culturing capabilities, broadening its activities beyond cultured meat and leveraging this technology platform to support the growing field of alternative ingredient production. To mark this milestone, the Hub hosted the first Cultured Plant Cell Event 2025, bringing together start-ups, corporate leaders, and researchers to explore how plant cell culture can complement traditional agriculture and strengthen global supply chains for high-value ingredients such as cocoa, coffee, and citrus.

Originally created to accelerate cultivated meat and cellular agriculture technologies, The Cultured Hub now extends its infrastructure and expertise to plant cell-based processes. This expansion comes at a time when rising commodity prices, climate volatility, and increasing pressure on agricultural systems are driving demand for resilient, sustainable sourcing pathways. Plant cell culture offers a promising approach to enabling controlled, year-round production of key plant compounds independent of farmland, weather, pests, or disease.

“Plant cell cultivation represents an important new frontier in sustainable food and ingredient production,” said Ian Roberts, Chief Technology Officer at Bühler Group. “Many of the same challenges we see in cultivated meat – the need to scale, reduce cost, and ensure quality at industrial levels – also apply here. By expanding The Cultured Hub’s offering into plant cell culture, we are supporting innovators in this transition and giving the food industry a unique platform to explore new, climate resilient ingredient pipelines.”

A dynamic ecosystem of innovators

Throughout the event, participants discussed the pressures facing cocoa, coffee, and citrus supply chains, and how plant cell culturing can serve as a complementary production method for stabilizing ingredient availability. Scientific and technical sessions covered the state of the technology, recent breakthroughs, scale-up challenges, and the path from lab to market.

Start-ups actively pitched their technologies and solutions directly to industry leaders specializing in cocoa, chocolate, and coffee processing, fostering collaboration and potential partnerships. Multiple innovators in plant cell culture also presented their work across coffee, cocoa, and next-generation ingredients, including companies such as Ergo Bioscience, Coffeesai, Phyton Biotech, Spicy Cells, Kokomodo, Food Brewer, Celleste Bio, and GALY. Their contributions illustrated the diversity of approaches underway globally – from cocoa biomass grown in bioreactors to stabilized coffee cell lines and high-value plant compounds produced using controlled fermentation.

“Demand for alternative, climate-resilient ingredients is growing rapidly, and plant cell culture is emerging as a credible sourcing platform,” said Yannick Jones, CEO of The Cultured Hub. “Yet the field still faces high costs and complex technical challenges. By providing shared bioprocess infrastructure and a collaborative environment, The Cultured Hub enables both start-ups and corporates to scale more efficiently, shorten development timelines, and explore where strategic partnerships and investments can unlock the next wave of innovation.”

A scientific frontier with commercial momentum

The event also featured a keynote from Prof. Dr. Ing. Regine Eibl-Schindler, ZHAW School of Life Sciences and Facility Management, who introduced the emerging discipline of microbotanics – the cultivation of plant cells to produce targeted metabolites, flavors, and functional compounds with precision and consistency. This global network advancing plant cell research and its applications, connects researchers, start-ups, and industry to accelerate innovation in sustainable plant biotechnology.

“Plant cell factories allow us to produce molecules or biomass that are difficult, slow, or expensive to obtain from fields, while reducing exposure to climate and disease risks,” said Philippe Jutras, Founder of the Plant Cell Institute. “But as with any new technology, scaling is the bottleneck. Events like this create essential alignment between researchers, start-ups, and industry so we can move from promising lab results to meaningful commercial impact.”

A new offering to accelerate the future of ingredients

Plant cell culturing remains an emerging field, with costs driven by sterile bioreactors, energy-intensive controlled environments, and the complexity of plant cell biology. Scaling from flasks to pilot systems is technically demanding and often beyond the reach of early-stage companies. The Cultured Hub’s expansion directly addresses these challenges by providing access to advanced bioprocess equipment, expert process development support, and a neutral platform for collaboration.

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