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Chilean Consul General Visits Geisenheim

Chilean Consul General Cristóbal Ortiz visits the FACE facilities at Hochschule Geisenheim University. Photo: Hochschule Geisenheim/Stieffenhofer

Yesterday, May 7, 2024, the Chilean Consul General Cristóbal Ortiz visited Hochschule Geisenheim University and showed great interest in the university's ongoing research projects.

The guest of honor was received by Professor Hans Reiner Schultz, the President of the university. In their shared discussion, the two exchanged views on a large number of existing connections in the area of viticulture. 

Following their conversation, Mr. Ortiz was able to gain an overview of the different research projects taking place in the field of viticulture on a campus tour with Professor Manfred Stoll, Head of the Departments for Viticulture and Enology at Hochschule Geisenheim University. The tour included a visit to the university's Free Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment (FACE) project and its agrivoltaic systems. The FACE facilities, which have now been in operation for ten years, examine the effects of rising carbon dioxide on soil activity, the physiology and yield of vegetables and grapevines, the interactions between plants and pathogens, and the quality of grapevines. Mr. Ortiz was particularly impressed with the university's agrivoltaic systems due to their dual use of land and direct utilization of energy to protect and cultivate the grapevines. 

Hochschule Geisenheim University has already worked closely with Chile in the past through a cooperation with the Chilean "Wines of Chile" winegrowers' association in 2016. In 2019, the Department of General and Organic Viticulture exchanged ideas with representatives of the Chilean University of Talca (UTA) in a workshop lasting several days on the topic of dual study programs. These degree programs, which combine academic training and practical work, are already established at Hochschule Geisenheim University.

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Chilean Consul General Cristóbal Ortiz and Professor Hans Reiner Schultz, President of Hochschule Geisenheim University. Photo: Hochschule Geisenheim/Stieffenhofer
Chilean Consul General Cristóbal Ortiz and Professor Hans Reiner Schultz, President of Hochschule Geisenheim University, at the FACE facilities. Photo: Hochschule Geisenheim/Stieffenhofer