Announcement and Context
The Directorate of Institutions, Agriculture and Forests (DIAF), together with the leadership at Grangeneuve, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sabine Müller to lead the Agriculture Section and to assume the role of deputy director. The nomination has the backing of the Grangeneuve Commission. This appointment comes at a moment of transition for the institution and underscores its commitment to strategic agronomy leadership and the continued development of the canton’s farming sector.
Ms. Müller, aged 38, brings a robust academic foundation and a diverse professional track record to the post. Her credentials include a Doctorate in Animal Nutrition and a Master in Agricultural Sciences with a specialization in livestock science, all earned from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich). She also holds a teaching certificate and a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in SME leadership from the University of St. Gallen. This combination of scientific expertise and managerial training positions her well to guide Grangeneuve’s Agriculture Section into a new era of innovation and collaboration.
Career Path and Experience
Before joining Grangeneuve, Müller served as head of trials and a specialized instructor at Aviforum, where she contributed to cutting-edge research and educational initiatives. Her career then led her to Burgmer Geflügelzucht AG, a company focused on the breeding of laying hens, where she assumed the role of director in July 2024 with an eightieth workload. Despite taking on this new leadership position, she maintained a part-time teaching role at Aviforum, illustrating her ongoing commitment to both industry practice and education. Hailing from the canton of Thurgau, Müller expressed that the Grangeneuve opportunity aligns perfectly with her professional aspirations and personal sense of belonging in the canton of Fribourg, where she now considers home.
Strategic Vision for Grangeneuve
In assuming responsibility for the Agriculture Section and acting as deputy director, Müller will oversee strategic planning, program development, and the implementation of innovative agronomy initiatives tailored to Fribourg’s farming communities. Her background in animal nutrition and livestock science, coupled with hands-on leadership experience, is expected to enhance Grangeneuve’s role as a hub for research-driven agricultural education, practical training, and outreach to farmers. The institution anticipates that her tenure will foster closer collaboration with producers, educators, and other partners to address contemporary challenges such as sustainable intensification, animal welfare, and the integration of new technologies in livestock management.
Transition and Acknowledgments
The appointment follows the departure of Nadine Degen, who chose to pursue new professional challenges. The organization extends best wishes to Degen for her future endeavors. In the interim, Messrs. Jean-Charles Philipona and David Stöckli have served as acting heads of the Agriculture Section and will continue to fulfill these duties through the end of 2025 to ensure a smooth transition and ongoing program continuity.
Looking Ahead
The DIAF and Grangeneuve congratulate Sabine Müller on her appointment and look forward to her leadership, collaboration, and the progress she will bring to the canton’s agricultural landscape. Her appointment signals a strong commitment to advancing agronomy and supporting Fribourg’s agricultural communities through informed policy, education, and practical innovation. The institutions are confident that Müller’s expertise and strategic vision will help shape a resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural sector for years to come.
