Announcement
The Directorate of Institutions, Agriculture and Forests (DIAF), together with the Grangeneuve administration, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Sabine Müller to lead the Agriculture section and serve as deputy director. The appointment has the backing of the Grangeneuve Commission, underscoring confidence in her ability to shape Fribourg’s agricultural policy and practice.
A profile shaped by science and leadership
Sabine Müller, 38, holds a Doctorate in Animal Nutrition and a Master in Agronomic Sciences with a specialization in Livestock, both earned from the ETH Zurich (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Zurich). She also earned a teaching certificate and later completed a DAS in Management and Leadership of Small and Medium Enterprises from the University of St. Gallen. This combination of advanced scientific training and strategic management equips her to bridge technical expertise with organizational leadership, a blend considered essential for Grangeneuve’s ambitions in agriculture and education.
Early career and rising responsibilities
Ms. Müller began her professional journey at Aviforum, where she oversaw trials and taught as a specialized instructor. She then joined Burgmer Geflügelzucht AG, a company specializing in laying-hen breeding, gradually taking on broader leadership responsibilities. In July 2024, she assumed the role of director at Burgmer Geflügelzucht AG with an 80 percent workload. Despite this demanding position, she continued to contribute as a part-time specialized instructor at Aviforum, reflecting her commitment to both industry leadership and knowledge transfer to the next generation of agricultural professionals.
A strategic fit for Fribourg’s agriculture
Originating from the canton of Thurgau, Müller describes the Grangeneuve position as a natural fit for her aspirations. “This post at Grangeneuve perfectly matches my ambitions: it combines strategic responsibilities and agronomy expertise while giving me the opportunity to actively contribute to the development of Fribourg’s agriculture, in a canton I now consider my home,” she said. Her scientific background in animal nutrition and her practical experience in poultry production position her well to drive innovation, sustainability, and education in the region’s farming community.
Role, transition, and continuity
The appointment follows the departure of Nadine Degen, who chose to pursue new professional challenges. The DIAF and Grangeneuve wish her success in her future endeavors. In the interim, Messrs. Jean-Charles Philipona and David Stöckli, who previously served as deputy heads of the Agriculture section, will continue to manage the role of interim head through the end of 2025. Their ongoing leadership ensures continuity as Grangeneuve and DIAF support Müller in implementing a clear, forward-looking strategy for agriculture in the canton.
What this means for Grangeneuve and for Fribourg
Ms. Müller’s appointment is seen as a signal of the DIAF’s commitment to integrating high-level scientific research with practical farming and education. Her background in animal nutrition and livestock science aligns with Grangeneuve’s mission to advance sustainable agriculture, strengthen veterinary and agronomic knowledge transfer, and foster youth training in rural innovation. The university and cantonal authorities anticipate that her leadership will strengthen collaborations with farmers, researchers, and educators alike, helping Fribourg remain competitive in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.
Looking ahead
As she steps into this dual role, Sabine Müller will focus on strategic planning for the Agriculture section, oversee program development at Grangeneuve, and continue contributing to the broader goals of the DIAF. With the foundation laid by her predecessors and the support of the Grangeneuve community, she is poised to guide Fribourg’s agriculture toward greater resilience, productivity, and educational excellence in the years to come.
