Announcement and scope of the appointment
The Direction of Institutions, Agriculture and Forests (DIAF) alongside the Grangeneuve leadership are pleased to announce that Sabine Müller will assume the role of head of the Agriculture section and will serve as deputy director. This dual appointment, approved with the support of the Grangeneuve Commission, places a seasoned agronomy expert at the helm of Grangeneuve’s agricultural programs and governance. The move reflects a strategic step to strengthen the institution’s contribution to the cantonal farming sector and to the broader rural economy of Fribourg.
Profile and professional credentials
Sabine Müller, aged 38, is a highly qualified agronomist and animal nutrition specialist. She holds a Doctorate in animal nutrition and a Master’s degree in agronomic sciences with a focus on livestock, both awarded by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich). In addition, she earned a certificate in didactics and a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in direction and management of small and medium-sized enterprises from the University of St. Gallen. This combination of scientific depth, practical leadership, and teaching experience has shaped her capacity to guide strategic agricultural initiatives and to mentor a new generation of practitioners and students alike.
Career path and leadership experience
Ms. Müller’s career spans research, industry, and education. Her early work at Aviforum saw her serving as head of trials and as a specialized instructor, roles that underscored her capability to translate complex science into actionable agricultural practices. She later joined Burgmer Geflügelzucht AG, a company focused on laying-hen production, where she progressed to the position of director in July 2024 with an 80 percent workload. She has meanwhile continued a smaller teaching role at Aviforum, maintaining a bridge between practical industry leadership and academic instruction. Originating from the canton of Thurgau, she has positioned herself at Grangeneuve because the post aligns with her professional aspirations and personal sense of belonging in Fribourg, a canton she now regards as home. In her view, the Grangeneuve post uniquely combines strategic responsibility with agronomic expertise and offers a platform to actively contribute to the development of agriculture in the region.
Strategic impact for Grangeneuve and Fribourg agriculture
The appointment arrives at a moment of notable transition for Grangeneuve and the wider agricultural community in Fribourg. Under Müller’s leadership, the Agriculture section is expected to pursue ambitious targets in education, applied research, and industry partnerships, aiming to strengthen sustainable farming practices, animal welfare, and the competitiveness of local farms. Her background in poultry science and animal nutrition is seen as an asset for interdisciplinary programs that connect animal production systems with nutrition science, feed innovation, and farm management. The DIAF and Grangeneuve anticipate enhanced collaboration with regional farmers, universities, and the private sector to deliver practical, science-based solutions tailored to Fribourg’s agricultural realities.
Transition and acknowledgments
This appointment follows the departure of Nadine Degen, who chose to pursue new professional challenges. The DIAF and Grangeneuve extend their best wishes for her future endeavors. In the interim, Messieurs Jean-Charles Philipona and David Stöckli will continue to lead the Agriculture section and will remain in charge through the end of 2025 to ensure a smooth transition and continued program continuity. The two interim leaders, along with the broader leadership, will support Ms. Müller as she steps into her new role and collaborates with all stakeholders to advance the canton’s agricultural agenda.
Looking ahead
With Sabine Müller at the helm, Grangeneuve and the DIAF reaffirm their commitment to innovative, science-based agriculture in Fribourg. The institutions look forward to a productive collaboration that blends rigorous agronomic research with practical training and policy development, thereby strengthening the sector’s resilience and contributing to the region’s economic vitality.
