Medan, September 30, 2026 – The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FP USU), officially opened the 4th TALENTA-Agricultural Summer Course 2026 through an international public lecture entitled “Soil Health: A Foundation for Resilient Agri-Food Systems” on Wednesday (September 30, 2026). Carrying the main theme “Smart and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems: From Local Wisdom to Global Solutions,” the activity was held in a hybrid format, with participants attending directly at the Faculty of Agriculture USU and through Zoom Meeting.

The opening began with remarks from the Chairperson of the Committee, Prof. Dr. Ir. Elisa Julianti, M.Si. In her remarks, she stated that the Summer Course was not only a platform for gaining academic knowledge but also an opportunity to build networks and exchange experiences with participants from various backgrounds.

“This opportunity is not only to gain academic knowledge, but also to build professional networks, exchange ideas, ask questions, share experiences, and learn about each other’s culture,” said Prof. Elisa.

Next, the Dean of FP USU, Dr. Rulianda Purnomo Wibowo, S.P., M.Ec., officially opened the 4th TALENTA-Agricultural Summer Course 2026. In his remarks, the Dean stated that the activity provided participants with an opportunity to broaden their knowledge, perspectives, and experiences in an international learning environment.

“The Summer Course provides valuable knowledge and experiences that can broaden the perspectives of all participants,” said Dr. Rulianda.

The Dean also expressed his appreciation to all committee members, speakers, and participants who contributed to the implementation of the activity. “I would like to express my appreciation to all the organizing committee, speakers, and participants. I officially welcome you to the 4th TALENTA Summer Course,” he continued.

Following the opening, the activity continued with an International Public Lecture featuring Joann K. Whalen, B.Sc. (Agr.), M.Sc., Ph.D., James McGill Professor at the Department of Natural Resources Sciences, McGill University, Canada, as the speaker. The public lecture was moderated by Wida Akasah, S.Agr., M.Sc., a lecturer in the Undergraduate Program in Agrotechnology.

In her presentation, Dr. Whalen emphasized that soil health is an important foundation for realizing resilient and sustainable agricultural and food systems. The material covered various challenges to soil health and food security, including increasing fertilizer costs, high-temperature stress, soil salinity, as well as the importance of nutrient management and the role of soil microorganisms.

One of the principles discussed was 4R Nutrient Stewardship, namely Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, and Right Place. Participants also gained insights into the roles of microorganisms, mycorrhizal fungi, and Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) in supporting soil health and crop resilience.

The activity was conducted interactively through a question-and-answer session attended by participants both in person and online. This public lecture served as the opening agenda of the 4th TALENTA-Agricultural Summer Course 2026 series, which will take place from September 30 to October 6, 2026, at USU and continue from October 27 to 29, 2026, at Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Through this activity, FP USU continues to strengthen international learning while promoting the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and culture. The Summer Course is expected to improve participants' global competencies while expanding international networks and collaboration in the development of smart and sustainable agricultural and food systems.

This activity also supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).