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Hawkeye Community College Part of Sister States Delegation to Kosovo

posted on Friday, July 21, 2017 in  College News

Kosovo Agriculture DelegationWATERLOO–Representatives from Hawkeye Community College were part of a delegation organized by Iowa Sister States that visited Kosovo from June 25-July 1.

Brad Kinsinger, director of Hawkeye’s Global Agriculture Learning Center, and Kristi Mensen, an Animal Science student from Dyersville, were part of the delegation’s agriculture team, led by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey. Iowa became a sister state with Kosovo in 2013 and a U.S. consulate office was opened in Des Moines in 2016. The visit encompassed a broad range of topics, including agriculture, business, and education. They met with Kosovo’s Minister of Agriculture Memli Krasniqi, Prime Minister Isa Mustafa, Consul General Xhavit Gashi, and other dignitaries.

“Agriculture is a huge player in the economy in Kosovo, yet there are not a lot of educational opportunities in agriculture,” Kinsinger said. “The Global Agriculture Learning Center looks forward to continuing to work with the Ministry of Agriculture in Kosovo to build excitement around agriculture with young Kosovars and strengthen agricultural education.” The delegation toured various agricultural businesses, including a trout hatchery, a raspberry farm, a vineyard, an apple orchard, and a factory processing potatoes. They reviewed soil quality, and discussed trade and improving agriculture practices and education.

“I really enjoyed building those relationships,” Mensen said. “Everything was so personal that it didn’t feel like we were discussing business.” Her conversations with leaders in Kosovo have inspired Mensen to look into studying international agriculture after she graduates from Hawkeye.

“I’ve grown so much and made so many new connections,” she said. “I realized this is what I want to do with my life.” Learn more about the trip on the Global Agriculture Learning Center blog. 

Tags

  1. Agriculture
  2. Animal Science
  3. Global Agriculture Learning Center
  4. Iowa Sister States
  5. Kosovo
  6. Study Abroad
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