Christian Herzig

Christian Herzig serves as Professor for Food and Agribusiness Management at the Institute of Agricultural and Food Business Management, Department of Agricultural Sciences, Nutritional Science and Environmental Management, Justus Liebig University Giessen. His research addresses critical challenges in transforming food systems toward sustainability through value chain innovation, sustainability management, and organic agriculture. He actively develops transdisciplinary solutions for resilient food systems amid climate change and global crises, emphasizing practical applications in regional contexts.

Herzig's work spans three interconnected domains: (1) Design and management of food value chains including innovative business models for sustainable production and trade; (2) Sustainability control processes in agri-food companies focusing on assessment, certification, and transparent reporting; (3) Sustainable entrepreneurship where impact-driven start-ups advance ecological and social goals. He champions the organic sector as a model for common-good-oriented economic activity and healthy food production, advocating for food environments in public institutions that promote organic, regional, and seasonal foods to foster appreciation and sustainable consumption.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals dominant themes in value chain governance (particularly trust dynamics in organic certification), social innovation in agri-food systems, material flow cost accounting applications, and bioregional food system development. His methodology frequently employs multinational case studies across Europe and Africa, with growing emphasis on integrating sustainability into corporate strategy and educational frameworks.

Herzig leads collaborative initiatives including BioRegion Kassel's field-to-plate value chains and professional training for organic control at JLU Giessen. He actively seeks partnerships to develop regional value creation models, sustainability assessment tools, and educational programs that address contemporary food system challenges, positioning transdisciplinary cooperation as essential for reconnecting food production and consumption while making sustainability performance measurable and rewardable.