At the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), we view Sustainable Development Goal 2, “Zero Hunger”, as an essential objective that resonates deeply with our mission and expertise. Agriculture is at the heart of our institution, and we recognize that it plays a pivotal role in addressing hunger and food security challenges. We are committed to advancing sustainable farming practices, agricultural research, and education to enhance food production while minimizing environmental impact.
Our research and outreach programs aim to boost agricultural productivity, improve food distribution systems, and promote nutritional awareness. We firmly believe that by equipping future generations with the knowledge and skills needed to address global food security issues, we can contribute to the achievement of SDG 2. Moreover, through collaborations with international partners and local stakeholders, we are actively engaged in finding innovative solutions to eliminate hunger, not just in Hungary but also in the broader global context.
MATE's greatest contribution to the achievement of Zero Hunger/Food Security at the societal level is its 50 years of being a key training centre for key professionals in the field of food production and thus food security, food engineers and food safety and quality engineers.
For detailed information see the topics by clicking on the chapters:
At MATE, we remain fully committed to managing food and biological waste in the most environmentally responsible way, and to exploring new solutions for the sustainable utilization of agricultural byproducts. In recent years, we have launched several research and practical projects to strengthen this commitment. These include the collection and recycling of used cooking oil in our canteens, as well as selective waste management across all our campuses.
Our university continues to take an active role in supporting sustainable development at national level. In cooperation with ministries and public authorities, MATE contributes to the formulation and implementation of strategies that advance agriculture and food production. In this framework, the university has played a key role in shaping the and the Digital Food Strategy, and the Digital Food Strategy, and remains involved in ongoing implementation efforts together with partner institutions and organisations, like Cibus Hungaricus. In this way, it has effectively contributed to more sustainable food production and waste reduction at societal level.
In the following section, we present the projects through which we address food and biological waste management.
1.1. Waste management systems and research centers
Biological waste management project and system at MATE
The European Parliament’s adoption of the Circular Economy Action Plan set out clear expectations for Member States to ensure that products, waste and water remain within the economic cycle for as long as possible. One of its key requirements is the mandatory separate collection or on-site treatment of biowaste from 31 December 2023, strengthening the shift toward more resource-efficient and sustainable practices across Europe. In line with these objectives, the Hungarian University of Agricultural and Life Sciences (MATE) has taken a proactive role in driving national progress toward circularity.
Through the KEHOP-3.2.1-15-2021-00037 project, MATE launched a comprehensive initiative to identify, test and implement the measures needed for a circular transition at the Gödöllő Szent István Campus, with special emphasis on the reduction and reuse of agricultural and green waste. At the centre of this effort stands the newly established Circular Economy Analysis and Knowledge Centre, a multidisciplinary platform that brings together expertise from across the university’s campuses. The Centre supports research and innovation aimed at strengthening Hungary’s circular, biomass-based agricultural model, including strategies for food-waste reduction and the development of modern biowaste treatment solutions.
Priority is given to advanced and emerging technologies that enable more efficient and environmentally sound biowaste management. These include aerobic and anaerobic processes, renewable-energy-producing digestion systems, biohydrogen generation, hydrothermal carbonization, and other innovative, plasma-based treatment methods. By integrating these technologies into campus-scale demonstration activities, the project generates valuable knowledge for future policy development and offers practical models that can be adapted by other institutions and municipalities.
In addition, the project places strong emphasis on education and community involvement. Student training programmes and local composting initiatives ensure that biodegradable waste—from campus kitchens to farm residues—is collected and processed through pilot composters, producing high-quality compost that can be reused to improve soil health on the campus. These activities not only close the loop of biological materials but also help establish a robust quality-assurance framework for composted end-products.
Altogether, the project contributes to strengthening Hungary’s legislative, infrastructural and knowledge base for a circular economy. By linking research excellence with hands-on demonstration and community engagement, MATE plays a key role in supporting the long-term transition toward a more sustainable, resource-efficient agricultural sector.
At the Gödöllő campus, all biodegradable waste generated is processed on-site using a state-of-the-art infrastructure developed with European Union funding. This makes MATE the only university worldwide with a fully operational on-campus composting facility, successfully implementing a closed-loop biological circular economy. While other universities may have selective waste collection, zero-waste programs, or community composting, no other institution has achieved comprehensive biological waste utilization at this scale. The technology installed at the Szárítópuszta site also provides unique opportunities for education and research, offers valuable insights for policymakers to comply with circular economy regulations, and supports Hungarian agri-innovation and the development of biomass-based circular agriculture.
Centre for Circular Economy Analysis and Knowledge
The Circular Economy Analysis Centre plays an important strategic role in tracking national and international research trends related to circularity, assessing the macroeconomic and societal implications of transitioning to a circular economic model, and identifying innovative, sustainable and climate-neutral solutions across multiple specialised fields. Its activities rely on the broad research, expert and teaching capacities of the Hungarian University of Agricultural and Life Sciences, which provide a solid foundation for producing high-quality analyses and evidence-based recommendations. The Centre undertakes the scientific processing of topics related to agriculture, food systems, the green economy, green construction, sustainability and circularity, and supports the preparation of professional presentations, panel discussions and background materials within short timeframes. In addition to its analytical work, the Centre’s experts are actively involved in professional forums and events dedicated to green innovation and sustainable development, contributing to dialogue between academia, industry and policymakers.
MATE places strong emphasis on the sustainable processing and valorisation of agricultural by-products and waste materials, a priority that is consistently reflected in its research and innovation portfolio as presented on the university’s official website. Drawing on the expertise showcased across MATE’s research centres thematic, and research supporting programmes, the university develops and applies cutting-edge technologies for converting plant- and animal-based residues - such as crop by-products, green waste, manure, and food-processing side streams - into valuable resources that can be reintegrated into agricultural production. According to MATE’s sustainability and research communications, ongoing projects address advanced composting, anaerobic digestion for renewable energy, soil-enhancing organic amendments, and emerging solutions. Through these initiatives, highlighted across multiple MATE faculty and institute pages, the university strengthens its role as a national leader in circular bioeconomy research, supporting waste reduction, efficient resource use and the closing of agricultural value chains.
Value-added use of blood
Recent research at the Institute of Food Science and Technology has focused on the food industry applications of animal blood, particularly blood powder, haemoglobin, and plasma powder, and their effects on product texture and sensory properties. In these studies, colleagues examined how adding blood-based ingredients to products such as ice cream, sausages, and bakery items influences texture, taste, and nutritional value, with a particular emphasis on enhancing iron intake. These works aim to promote sustainability and by-product utilization by transforming animal blood, an industrial by-product, into a valuable functional food ingredient.
Valorisation projects supported by the Flagship Research Groups Program
The “Agri-Food By-product Valorisation Research Group” at MATE focuses on advancing knowledge across food, feed, and soil sciences by exploring innovative, multipurpose uses of food-processing by-products. Rather than simply upcycling waste, the group emphasizes comprehensive valorisation—extracting valuable fractions such as polyphenols and then finding ways to utilize the remaining secondary by-products. Through an integrated, interdisciplinary approach, the team applies these research findings to food, feed, and soil applications, promoting circular economy principles within agricultural systems. Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. László Abrankó, the group combines expertise in food analysis, bioactives, and regenerative soil management, contributing to sustainable and resource-efficient agri-food systems.
The „Microbiome-Driven Applications for Sustainable Food Systems” research focuses on advancing scientific understanding of the microbiome’s role in creating sustainable and healthy food systems. The group investigates how microbial communities contribute to food safety, quality, and nutritional value, as well as how they can be harnessed for the valorisation of food waste. Through an integrated and interdisciplinary approach, the researchers explore the interactions between microorganisms and food matrices, aiming to establish data-driven, efficient, and environmentally responsible food production systems.
Microorganisms play a dual role in food technologies—while beneficial species enable the transformation of raw materials into nutritionally rich and bioactive products, pathogenic ones pose risks to food safety. By studying these dynamics, the group aims to optimize fermentation processes and microbial applications, reducing food waste and enhancing food quality. The project also focuses on developing publicly accessible microbiome datasets, promoting open science and innovation in food research. In the long term, this work supports the creation of sustainable food value chains, reducing environmental impact and strengthening the economic resilience of the agri-food sector.
MATE places great importance on ensuring reliable access to sufficient, affordable, and nutritious food, and therefore offers a variety of food services across its campuses, including canteens, restaurants, and buffets. Most of these venues provide student discounts or a multi-course daily menu available to both students and staff. A full list of these services is provided below.
The university campuses also feature well-equipped communal areas, complete with microwaves, tables, chairs, and dining utensils (plates, glasses, cutlery, etc.), where students can heat and enjoy meals brought from home.
On the Buda campus, the Nestlé Mini Bisztró has been serving affordable meals for students since 2019.
Moreover, MATE actively participates in projects that provide educational support for the special dietary consumer market
Social scholarships
As a part of the programme in place on food insecurity, MATE offers social-based scholarships which support students with social needs. You can find the details in the following document (in Hungarian): Organisational and Operational Rules of the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences – volume III: Student Requirements System - III.2. Student Allowances and Reimbursements (last modified: July 1, 2025), page 32:
The project aims to improve access to training in the special dietary restrictions consumer market by developing and implementing educational programs, creative student camps, workshops, and panel discussions for students, entrepreneurs, and academia. It also includes innovation workshops within the food production sector, an idea competition for tourism product packages targeting special dietary needs, workshops on various dietary trends, and training on preparing “free” meals.
Specific objectives focus on designing specialized student programs and delivering courses for students interested in food tourism, while also enhancing the professional knowledge of instructors. Through these innovative activities, the project seeks to foster business thinking in food tourism among the younger generation and promote consumer awareness, alongside a business plan competition for tourism product packages addressing special dietary needs.
The project also emphasizes collaboration between innovative food production and delivery actors for special consumer groups, supported by two professional visits whose insights will feed into project activities. Additionally, a study will examine dietary trends, nutrition-related health issues, and the demand and supply of foods for special dietary restrictions, providing recommendations for transforming food and agricultural systems. Ultimately, a handbook will be developed to assist food service providers and support the emerging market for special dietary restrictions.
Development of Milk-Protein–Based Foods and Formula Ingredients for Specialised Purposes
The project aims to develop milk-protein–based food and formula ingredients for specialised nutritional purposes. Sole-Mizo Ltd. currently produces large quantities of milk protein isolates and concentrates (MPI/MPC), primarily used in fermented dairy products, cheese production, and ice cream manufacturing. However, these proteins also have significant potential as high-protein ingredients in functional foods for sports nutrition and in specialised medical formulas. The project therefore focuses on creating an MPI/MPC-based protein blend with a nutritional value that surpasses that of whey protein - widely considered the ideal reference - thereby expanding the advanced application possibilities of MPI/MPC products.
To achieve this quality enhancement, the project combines two strategies: (1) biotechnological pre-treatment to improve the digestibility of existing MPI/MPC products, and (2) supplementation with additional protein sources to optimise the amino acid composition and improve overall nutritional value. The innovative nature of the project lies in its integrated approach, combining protein complementation and bioconversion techniques—an area scarcely addressed in international literature.
Another key objective is to develop a clear and consumer-friendly labelling system, supported by a certification mark, to indicate the nutritional quality of protein-containing foods, protein preparations, and specialised medical formulas. This system will be based on transparent, scientifically grounded, internationally accepted protein-quality indicators, ensuring objective evaluation for all stakeholders. The certification will signal those products bearing the mark meet high nutritional standards with regard to their protein content.
MATE is also connected to the Gödöllő-based Hungarian Food Bank Association that locate and collect surplus food to deliver to those in need, reducing food waste and deprivation.
MATE places a strong emphasis on charitable activities, actively supporting initiatives that provide assistance to those in need. In December 2024, MATE contributed HUF 1.5 million worth of long‐lasting food items to the Ecumenical Relief Organization’s Advent donation drive, helping families in crisis. The donation, personally handed over by Rector Prof. Dr. Csaba Gyuricza, included shelf-stable foods such as canned meats, pasta, oil, rice, baby food, jam, and other staples to make daily life a little easier during the holiday season. The Rector emphasized that the effort reflects MATE’s commitment to humanitarian work, which aligns with its core mission of food production—from field to table—and its educational and research activities in agriculture and food sciences.
In 2020, the SZIA Agroecological Garden at MATE was founded through a student initiative, applying agroecological principles and addressing the food system as a whole. The garden emphasizes the social dimension of agroecology, focusing on providing access to fresh, healthy, and diverse food, fostering a strong student community, and promoting the creation and exchange of knowledge and food culture.
MATE takes active measures to prevent or reduce hunger among students and staff, including providing access to food banks and pantries, and by summarizing the available options and making them publicly accessible. The university also provides overviews of the dining facilities on its campuses, such as restaurants and canteens.
At the Budai Campus, students can find details about nearby restaurants and canteens here (in Hungarian):
Széchenyi Recreation card (SZÉP) acceptance on campuses
At MATE, campus dining facilities, including the various restaurants and canteens, aim to provide convenient payment options for students and staff. While there is no official confirmation that all locations accept SZÉP cards (Széchenyi Recreation card), some of the larger campuses support this form of payment, given their focus on accessibility and affordability for the university community. Offering SZÉP card acceptance aligns with MATE’s broader commitment to student- and staff-friendly services, allowing staff and students to use flexible benefits for meals and encouraging the consumption of nutritious, campus-provided food. This approach fits into MATE’s overall strategy of making campus dining practical, inclusive, and adaptable to modern payment methods, potentially expanding to full SZÉP card acceptance in the future.
In addition to standard canteens, restaurants, and buffets, the campuses offer opportunities to purchase vegetables, fruits, and other food products from university teaching farms and partner farmers through “local markets,” promoting local food consumption and Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs):
In late April 2024, the Spring International Dinner was held at MATE’s Szent István Campus, featuring 17 nations - including Bangladesh, Brazil, Ecuador, India, Iran, Kenya, Laos, Mexico, Mongolia, Russia, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan - showcasing their cultures through national dishes and traditional attire. International students entertained guests with songs and dances, with performances from Kenyan, Uzbek, Bangladeshi, and Hungarian students, alongside the MATE Forduló Folk Dance Ensemble, which presented Hungarian folk traditions:
MATE places great importance on ensuring access to reliable sources of ingredients, supporting thriving local economies and sustainable livelihoods, and fostering trading partnerships built on dialogue, transparency, and mutual respect. For this reason, all campuses host trusted food providers and services. Additionally, the university prioritizes expanding the availability of vegetarian and vegan options for both students and staff.
Automatic warehouse commission
In December, 2024, an official inauguration was held at the MATE Buda Campus to unveil the first automated warehouse, order-picking, and collection point established as part of a Cibus Hungaricus Foundation project. The facility features a state-of-the-art robotic order-picking system capable of assembling orders from up to 400 different products without human intervention, which can then be collected on-site or pre-ordered through a dedicated application. Developed by Logbord Ltd., the system aims to improve the efficiency of short supply chains while connecting local producers with modern technological solutions. The project not only enhances logistics and accessibility on campus but also serves as a model for integrating automation into food distribution and promoting local, sustainable food networks.
MATE’s Budai Campus hosted the Autumn Horticultural Days from October 11 to 13, 2024, an event that offered something for both plant enthusiasts and visitors interested in diverse programs and exhibitions. Horticultural companies showcased their products, including annual flower seedlings, flower bulbs, perennial ornamental plants, cacti, orchids, and chrysanthemums. Culinary experiences were also featured, with visitors able to taste and purchase local honey, jams, and other delicacies.
We can find healthy and affordable food choices on the campuses. Most of the restaurants offer a daily menu, which is significantly cheaper than a regular meal, and we can always choose a healthy alternative.
On the Gödöllő Campus, the Campus Bistro provides a student menu at a reduced price.
There are affordable food choices in Campus Étterem at the Kaposvári Campus in Kaposvár, where the 2 course (soup + main course) daily menu is 2 050 HUF, and there are healthy options as steamed vegetables or steamed rice:
The options mentioned above are also accessible to university staff, providing them with healthy and affordable meal choices on campus. Most restaurants offer daily menus that are considerably cheaper than regular meals, with a variety of healthy alternatives always available.
On the Gödöllő Campus, the Campus Bistro provides menus at a reduced price.
There are affordable food choices in Campus Étterem also at the Kaposvári Campus in Kaposvár, where the 2 course (soup + main course) daily menu is for 2 050 HUF, and we have healthy options as steamed vegetables or steamed rice:
MATE offers access to knowledge, skills, and technologies related to food security and sustainable agriculture and aquaculture through specialized training programs, adult education courses, and part-time or distance learning options. Classes are scheduled on Friday afternoons and Saturdays, making these programs especially suitable for full-time workers, including local farmers and food producers.
In Hungary, the Adult Education Act offers individuals the opportunity to address the challenges of economic, cultural, and technological development by engaging in continuous learning, regardless of age. For over twenty years, the Centre for Adult Education and Counselling has supported lifelong learning for those who recognize the value of knowledge and personal development. Its training portfolio is regularly updated to meet evolving needs.
MATE Farm Enterprise Ltd. is the wholly university‑owned enterprise of MATE, established to manage the university’s practical farms and training facilities. Operating over 3,500 hectares across five sites in four counties (including Gödöllő, Keszthely, and Kaposvár), its mission covers education, research, and production in crop farming, horticulture, viticulture, and livestock. Interested persons can gain hands-on experience with a wide range of livestock—including poultry, pigs, sheep, cattle, bison, deer, and horses—and modern technologies like robotic milking at the Kaposvár dairy farm.
The organization plays a key role in advancing practical training and innovation in agriculture. Through its “demonstration farm” programs, such as courses on precision plant protection and spring crop inspection, it brings together students, farmers, and regional stakeholders for applied learning. In addition, they operate a game processing plant, a winery, a restaurant, a guesthouse, a game park, and a museum.
Each semester MATE hosts a variety of fairs and events that bring producers and consumers together for direct interaction. These events take place at MATE’s Horticultural Training Facility or on the Buda Campus as part of the spring and autumn Garden Exhibitions.
MATE’s Budai Campus hosted the Autumn Horticultural Days from October 11 to 13, 2024, an event that offered something for both plant enthusiasts and visitors interested in diverse programs and exhibitions. Horticultural companies showcased their products, including annual flower seedlings, flower bulbs, perennial ornamental plants, cacti, orchids, and chrysanthemums. Culinary experiences were also featured, with visitors able to taste and purchase local honey, jams, and other delicacies.
From September 27 to 29, 2024, the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) and Magyar Mezőgazdaság Ltd., in partnership with the Hungarian Livestock Association, hosted the Kaposvár Animal Husbandry (KÁN) University Days at the Kaposvár Campus and the Pannon Equestrian Academy. The event offered interactive programs for livestock professionals, the general public, families, and high school students, highlighting livestock breeding, agricultural higher education, and MATE’s main research and training areas. Visitors could attend professional conferences, including rabbit breeding, fisheries, precision livestock farming, horse breeding, and climate change in crop production, as well as explore regenerative agriculture practices. The exhibition featured breed presentations, interactive demonstrations, and a new student breeding animal preparation competition in cooperation with the Holstein-Friesian Breeders’ Association. Family-oriented activities included craft workshops, a small animal petting zoo, pony rides, traditional demonstrations, equestrian shows, and the Local Flavours Street showcasing regional producers. The event also hosted the traveling exhibition on the legendary racehorse Kincsem, celebrating Hungary’s horse breeding and racing heritage, alongside culinary highlights such as the National Fish Cooking Competition and the Somogy County Hunting Day.
The XXXI. Alföldi Animal Husbandry & Farmer Days took place from May 2–4, 2024, at the Hód‑Mezőgazda Exhibition Center in Hódmezővásárhely, organized by Hód‑Mezőgazda Zrt. in cooperation with the Hungarian Livestock Association. The event featured public show judging, breeders’ auctions, and the presentation of eight livestock sectors—horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, poultry, ornamental poultry, and rabbits—as well as fishery and hunting. It also brought together a comprehensive industry presence, including experts from reproduction biology, livestock health, housing technology, and feed production, along with suppliers of seeds, fertilizers, machinery, and other technologies. Beyond professional content, the program offered family-friendly activities.
Researchers of MATE’s Institute of Agronomy, conduct cutting‑edge research on vertical farms, focusing particularly on how artificial lighting affects plant growth in indoor farming systems. He is notably involved in studies to characterize and optimize the spatial distribution of photon irradiance (i.e., light intensity and spectrum) in vertical farming towers to maximize energy efficiency and plant productivity. In his work, he highlights the relevance of tightly controlled environmental parameters — such as light spectrum, temperature, humidity, and nutrient supply — to reliably produce high‑quality crops like strawberries year-round under fully artificial conditions.
In connection with this, workshops are organized every year. On November 7, 2024, the Hungarian Electrotechnical Association – Lighting Technology Society hosted the 2nd AgroLight Forum. Held at MATE’s Buda Campus, the event featured presentations exploring the relationship between light and its applications in plant cultivation, livestock production, and the food industry.
From December 11 to 12, 2024, MATE hosted one of the three European hubs of the E³UDRES² Hackathon on its Buda Campus under the theme “One World – One Protein – One Soil”, focusing on food sustainability and soil health. Around 40 students from diverse backgrounds, including food engineering, agriculture, and communication, participated in six teams, tackling real-world challenges related to protein consumption, its misconceptions, and sustainable agricultural practices. The two-day event included roundtable discussions, mentoring from industry experts, and a collaborative environment to generate innovative ideas for more sustainable food systems.
3.3. University access to local farmers and food producers
MATE provides access to university facilities (e.g., labs, technology, plant stocks) to local farmers and food producers as well to improve sustainable farming practices in the following way:
University Laboratory Centre
The University Laboratory Centre at MATE was established on 1 February 2021. It houses the Central Testing Laboratory, which offers laboratory testing and sampling services for both internal university departments and external clients. In addition, the Laboratory Centre undertakes research, innovation, and tender-related projects, and contributes to the organisation and delivery of professional training programs within its field.
The Central Testing Laboratory is structured into several specialized units:
Agrotechnology Unit – Plant Protection Machinery Testing Group (Gödöllő): Conducts accredited laboratory testing of field and plantation sprayers, and performs research, development, and type-approval for non-accredited sprayer activities.
Agrotechnology Unit – Energy Testing Group (Gödöllő): Analyses the energy and combustion properties of various biomass-based solid fuels (e.g., wood chips, pellets, briquettes) and the boilers that use them, including elemental composition, ash content, calorific value, and moisture content.
Agrotechnology Unit – Soil Testing Group (Gödöllő): Prepares soil samples and evaluates their physical properties.
Agricultural Sciences Unit (Kaposvár): Provides services to the agricultural and food sectors in compliance with current legislation and relevant regulations.
Badacsony Wine and Viticulture Unit (Badacsonytomaj): Performs physical and chemical analyses of plant and wine samples, focusing on nutrient and trace element content in leaves, grape maturity, must composition, fermentation processes, and wine treatment.
Environmental Analysis Unit (Szarvas): Offers services including: 1) physical and chemical analysis of surface water, groundwater, and wastewater; 2) accredited sampling and on-site testing of water samples; 3) analysis of soil and compost; and 4) testing of plant samples for nutrient content and availability, including reduced and extended plant testing packages as required under aid schemes.
MATE prioritises purchase of products from local, sustainable sources both on low and high level. MATE students and staff prefer obtaining food from local markets.
SZIA Agroecological Garden of MATE (Gödöllő)
SZIA Agroecological Garden of MATE in Gödöllő is a social garden which has other tasks and functions besides agricultural production. In our case, it is education, awareness-raising, i.e. the promotion of organic gardening, ecological farming and green, environmentally sustainable lifestyles, and the presentation and dissemination of practical methods. Another important task of the social garden is to provide work and development opportunities for disadvantaged people, such as the disabled and the long-term unemployed.
The garden functions as a community space, providing space for environmental education, camps and workshops. It also serves as a venue for corporate team-building training and family days, where groups can enjoy crafts, gardening and cooking together to raise awareness of sustainability. At SZIA Garden, they practice ecological gardening and work with disabled and disabled colleagues. They sell the vegetables others help them grow to a restaurant and to the local Dombvidék Kosárközösség (Hillside Basket Society). They do not currently sell at their own "SZIA Market", but they are working on getting their customers to come to them in this way in the future.
Buda Arboretum Organic Garden (“Biogarden”) is an educational garden presenting the principles and practices of organic farming in the Buda Arboretum, run by the staff of the Department of Agroecology and Ecological Management (Institute of Rural Developement and Sustainable Economy, MATE - https://rural-development.uni-mate.hu/introduction2 ).
Wild plants are also sustainable food sources. There is an educational trail on edible and collectible wild plants in Soroksár Botanical Garden. The aim is to provide a professional opportunity for students and those interested in nature to learn more about wild and edible plant species. The trail will provide a safe and professionally authentic way for everyone to learn more about the edible plants of our country's flora by visiting the living plant material. The educational trail is part of the 60-hectare Botanical Garden located in the XXIII. district of Budapest.
In 2020, the SZIA Agroecological Garden at MATE was founded through a student initiative, applying agroecological principles and addressing the food system as a whole. The garden emphasizes the social dimension of agroecology, focusing on providing access to fresh, healthy, and diverse food, fostering a strong student community, and promoting the creation and exchange of knowledge and food culture.
MATE Farm Enterprise Ltd. is a university‑owned enterprise of MATE, established to manage the university’s practical farms and training facilities. The enterprise also operates a game park, processing plant, a winery, a restaurant, a guesthouse where customers can find reasonable prices.
