After the film about the activities and new additions of the past year, our Direktor the large gathering. He then thanked all the staff for their many contributions, which together resulted in the research department's more than commendable performance.

The chairman of the central committee of our ministry, Mr. Thomas Tartarotti, congratulated everyone on the excellent results of the annual report and then provided an update on current events and the salary agreement. Our DA chairwoman, Julia Leitner, then thanked all the participants for celebrating with us, her team for their excellent support and the trust they have placed in her. She also made special mention of the positive collaboration with Direktion and administration.

The highlight of the ceremony was the honoring of our youngest pensioners:

Ms. Ulli Percht , who conscientiously and meticulously handled sample preparation for analysis and was always ready to take on new tasks; Ms. Margarete Pötsch , the ever-friendly, kind soul in our analytical laboratory. She conscientiously and helpfully performed countless tasks, primarily contributing to mineral analysis; Ms. Rosamunde Wiener, our unmistakable voice in the switchboard , who also handled many internal processes; Ms. Elfriede Helmhart , our bookkeeper who gladly worked evenings and was always helpful and patient; and Dr. Beate Berger , the veterinarian who made a significant contribution to the establishment of the gene bank for rare farm animals in Wels and the ÖNGENE .

We thank you for all your achievements and wish you happiness and good health in your well-deserved retirement.

After a delicious lunch, we moved on to the social part of the evening. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this celebration.