Since the 1990s, Rudi Vögel has focused on agrobiodiversity and its connections to environmental protection, working in both state-level public office and as the founder of VERN e.V. (Association for the Preservation and Recultivation of Crops). Rudi’s research and applied projects have spanned diverse topics, including the history, recultivation, and on-farm maintenance of rare crops; studies on the use of crops for dyeing, fuel processing, and other industrial applications; and the documentation and monitoring of native crop wild relatives for food production.

He has extensive experience designing and leading transdisciplinary projects and networks involving NGOs, scientists, and farmers. Under Rudi’s leadership, VERN has become a frequent hub for international collaboration with national and global partners dedicated to crop plant biodiversity.

Rudi holds degrees in plant protection, ecology and environmental protection, and hydrology. He has published widely on sustainability topics in environmental protection, including research on agrochemical drift.