AGRO is in clover
Society’s focus on the green transition has resulted in extremely many plums falling into AGRO’s lap. Our knowledge is in great demand. We are extremely privileged.
The green transition is at the top of the agenda of the funders, and wherever we look, it says ‘AGRO’ on the cash boxes.
The agreement on allocation of the research reserve deals primarily with the green transition and farming as well as the need for strengthening research-based public sector consultancy, which is very positive for AGRO.
Over the next many years, the opportunities for project funding will look as good as we have never experienced before. 58 projects have been granted starting in 2023 to a total amount of approx. DKK 171 million. In addition, 55 applications have been submitted, amounting to approx. DKK 219 million.
The many project grants result in a noticeable need for more hands. From 1 January 2023 to 15 April 2023 AGRO has taken on 45 new employees. In addition, AGRO has currently 38 job advertisements in progress; this puts a great pressure of work on HR, Karina, Chinette and others.
There are a few dark clouds on the sky, among them the difficulty of recruiting qualified labour, primarily within the VIP area. It is the employees’ market, not just in Denmark, but all over Europe. In Denmark there are currently just under 3 million wage earners, the highest number ever.
Another problem is retaining talented employees which primarily is because the private labour market can offer far higher salaries than public-sector institutions.
Nor is everything rosy concerning our finances. The project grants do not cover the costs of buildings, power, infrastructure, etc. The real overhead for AGRO’s projects is actually more than 100%, with the department receiving a maximum of 44%. AGRO is therefore dependent on a basic funding, and here we are still subject to savings. Something which the university still is working on changing.
The public sector has many rules in connection with appointing employees; this makes the process very lengthy, which is several cases has resulted in the selected qualified employees finding other jobs before AGRO was able to present a contract of employment. Work is being done to rectify this.
We are busy, and we must remember to take care of each other during this busy time – so take care of your colleague if you observe that some people begin to show symptoms of stress. We have a fantastic place of work and nice and talented colleagues, of whom we need to take good care.