What does AGRO's economy look like today?

At the first financial round with the Dean, AGRO's budget for 2020 showed a deficit. At this round, we did not yet know the extent and effects of the corona situation and we therefore had to assume that the situation could have serious financial consequences. We have now looked at the economy again, and fortunately it looks like we can meet the dean's requirements.

In the spring, in spite of the corona lockdown, we have been so lucky, skilled and diligent that we have established almost all our field trials on time. We are also doing well in the laboratories, but there are a few delays as the laboratories have not been fully staffed during the lockdown. Researchers and administrative staff have largely been able to perform their tasks from home. Big thanks to everyone for the great effort you have made. We have been made it very graciously through the difficult situation.

However, we are coming from a difficult financial situation. Last year, we looked into a 2020 budget with a deficit of millions, but it has gotten much better. This is due not least to the considerable efforts of researchers and other staff to increase external funding. It is good and it is something we must continue.

However, the dark clouds are not yet gone. There are still many uncertainties, including:

• Do we need more transfers for 2021 because we do not have the staff to carry out the tasks in 2020?
• Will there be a new wave of corona virus that will cause a new lockdown?
• Will the situation affect our sales revenue for the rest of the year?

The department management regularly meet with section managers and project economists to talk about staffing and spendings in the sections. In addition, meetings between project economists and project managers are held at least twice a year, and follow-up is also made on whether staffing and operating costs comply for each project.

Further action to safeguard our economy

In the department management, we work with ANIS to create an overview of the terms we have for external funding from the many different funds. Over time, it has happened that our opportunities to get reasonable costs covered have decreased. Some funds also provide very low overheads or require co-financing. It is devastating for our economy. This also has a focus at the faculty level, but right now AGRO and ANIS are driving this discussion.

We are also working on creating an overview of how we can cover our projects better. This work will continue during autumn, and among other things, open up new budgeting forms for applications.

Finally, as something new, we have introduced a cover sheet, which must be delivered with all project applications to be signed by the head of department. This is done to give the head of department a clear picture of what is undertaken in the applications.