The 18th session of the enlarged  Academic and Research Council was held on Tuesday 20/12/2022 under the supervision of the Director of ERAIFT and President of the Academic and Research Council, Mr. Baudouin MICHEL. Participants in this session were Academic and Research Council statutory members as well as its regional and international partners. Apart from other business, 3 main points were on the agenda: 1) the selection of candidates for the 5th promotion of ERAIFT regional masters, 2) recommendations from the 1st ERAIFT scientific retreat, 3) the academic report for the December 2021 - December 2022 period.

Regarding the selection process for the 5th promotion of the ERAIFT Regional Masters Courses, the following decision was taken: 40 scholarship holders were selected from the 170 applications received following the international call for applications. They originate from 11 different countries, including 12 women, i.e. approximately 30%. The regional character of the institution as well as the female representation are well highlighted. This cohort will start training in the first trimester of 2023.

Concerning the ERAIFT scientific seminar in Zongo, from 14 to 17 October 2002, which was a great success, most of the recommendations formulated were approved. The institution is expected to explore ways and means to implement them. These are essentially: the extension of ERAIFT to the English-speaking community, bilingualism, the professionalization of training, the strengthening of internships, and the respect of the academic calendar.

Started at 8.30 a.m., the meeting ended at 12 a.m., in a friendly and satisfying atmosphere. ERAIFT is grateful to the European Union for the funding of this Action and for the renewed confidence; it also thanks AGRINATURA for its collaboration.