Connecting research and practice for a resilient, competitive and secure agri-food system in Germany
The German Agri-Food Systems Think & Do Tank (GAST) was launched on November 11, 2026, as a leading independent, cross-institutional initiative that connects existing activities and expertise across research, policy, business, practice and civil society. It welcomes new partners and contributions to its planned 2027 demonstration program.
GAST is led by four core partners: the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), the Hans Eisenmann-Forum for Agricultural Sciences at the Technical University of Munich (HEF@TUM), the University of Hohenheim and the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute. Partners from Germany’s agri-food research, innovation and knowledge transfer community support the initiative. ATB and HEF@TUM are the joint administrative hosts for the preparation of the 2027 program, with support of 20+ key organizations and 45+ leading experts from Germany’s agri-food research, innovation and knowledge transfer community.
ATB has published a position paper and a brief paper setting out GAST’s vision, mission and approach.
GAST aims to better connect scientific evidence, decisions and implementation across sectors and regions. Its goals are strengthening resilience, competitiveness and agri-food and nutrition security, including access to affordable, safe and healthy food for all.
“Germany’s agri-food systems need stronger coordination across research, innovation and practice. GAST brings key partners together to set shared priorities and put knowledge into practice with a joint action.” says Barbara Sturm, GAST speaker.
In GAST – a Think & Do Tank – Think combines research, data, foresight and practical knowledge to assess evidence and future options. Do links this work with testing, demonstration and implementation through existing organizations.
Three proposed priority topics are open for discussion: foresight and preparedness, mapping Germany’s agri-food system and involving relevant stakeholders, and bringing research and innovation into practice. Partners will agree the final selection and scope after consultation with relevant stakeholder groups.
GAST will be presented in Bonn on November 18, 2026, at the Status Seminar on EU Partnerships, organized by BMLEH, BMFTR, BLE, and PtJ.
“We have the ingredients, a shared recipe, great cooks, and now GAST as an open kitchen serving Germany’s agri-food systems. Join us!” says Naser Reyhani, GAST coordinator.
Interested partners and contributors are invited to contact GAST’s main contacts, Barbara Sturm and Naser Reyhani (nreyhani@atb-potsdam.de). Please include your name, organization and a brief description of your interest, question or possible contribution.
GAST contacts
Speaker: Barbara Sturm · director@atb-potsdam.de
Co-speaker: Iris Lewandowski · iris_lewandowski@uni-hohenheim.de
Co-speaker: Martin Banse · martin.banse@thuenen.de
Coordinator: Naser Reyhani · nreyhani@atb-potsdam.de
Further information
GAST webpages
https://www.atb-potsdam.de/en/research/networks-1/gast