RIT Croatia Hosts Program on Sustainable Agriculture: A Deep Dive into Croatia's Farm-to-Table Evolution
This March RIT Croatia welcomed students from RIT's main campus in Rochester for the exciting study abroad program Roots & Routes: Croatia's Farm-to-Table Evolution. This unique interdisciplinary program focused on the future of sustainable agriculture and its impact on the global food industry, bringing together students from various academic backgrounds for a hands-on learning experience.
The one-week program allowed participants to explore Croatia’s vibrant farm-to-table ecosystem. Students took part in lectures and workshops on innovative topics such as AI-driven smart farming, hydroponic farming, and supply chain logistics. In addition to the classroom learning, students visited organic farms, wineries, and eco-certified food producers in both the Zagreb area and the Istria region, where they experienced firsthand the integration of technology, tradition, and sustainability in agriculture.
"We were thrilled to host this inaugural Roots & Routes program, bringing students from diverse academic backgrounds to explore the intersection of agriculture, technology, sustainability, and the global food industry," said Dr. Kristina Šorić, the program's creator and RIT Croatia faculty member. "The students had the opportunity to engage directly with local industry leaders and experts, and they left with a deeper understanding of how AI and smart technologies are transforming the agri-food supply chains. It was inspiring to see how their unique perspectives enriched the discussions and enhanced the overall learning experience."
One of the academic highlights of the program was a presentation by Dr. Dua Weraikat from RIT Dubai, titled “From Data to Harvest: Leveraging AI for Smarter Agricultural Decisions.” Professor Weraikat shared insights into hydroponic farming in Dubai, specifically focusing on the project she is leading with her Industrial Engineering students at RIT Dubai, where they use machine learning to optimize agricultural supply chains. This session provided students with a global perspective on how advanced AI-driven solutions are being applied in different climates and agricultural systems.
Students also visited culinary school Centar za kulturu prehrane, where students enjoyed a lecture on organic farming and a hands-on cooking workshop. They learned how to prepare iconic Croatian dishes such as štrukli and apple strudel, while discovering the rich history of Croatian gastronomy and its cultural influences.
"The program was an amazing opportunity for our students to broaden their understanding of sustainable agriculture and technology applications in the agri-food sector," Dr. Šorić added. "The students not only explored cutting-edge practices in AI and farming but also experienced Croatia's local food culture and the significance of sustainability in the country’s agricultural practices."
The program’s collaborative nature was a key strength, with students from different fields – including business, environmental science, marketing, and tourism – contributing diverse perspectives to the discussions on AI in agri-food supply chains.
Iva Kužina, Career Services, Alumni Relations & International Student Office Specialist at RIT Croatia, also emphasized the value of such programs, saying, "Our study abroad programs provide students with valuable global experiences that go beyond the classroom. They get to engage with industry leaders, explore real-world applications, and gain insight into global challenges. Each year, we offer a variety of exciting summer programs, such as the Psychology Program, Ecology of Dalmatian Coast, and the Roots of Croatian Wine Tradition program, among others. These experiences help students broaden their perspectives, enhance their skills, and prepare them for successful careers."
As the program wrapped up, students expressed their gratitude for the valuable experience, reflecting on how it enhanced their understanding of global food systems and their interconnectedness with local and international industries. RIT Croatia was proud to facilitate this exciting initiative, which showcases the potential of interdisciplinary programs in bridging the gap between education and real-world applications.
Looking ahead, RIT Croatia is excited to continue offering these enriching study abroad opportunities that allow students to engage with global industries, make lasting connections, and gain hands-on experience in a variety of fields.