It is 25 years since Helmut Claas set up the Claas Foundation with the aim of supporting research in to agriculture and agricultural technology at universities throughout Europe, including Harper Adams University in the UK.

During that time over 200 students have been awarded Helmut Claas scholarships and more than 2.5 million Euros in funding has been awarded.

To mark this occasion, a 25-year-old plane tree was recently symbolically planted on the Claas site in East Westphalia-Lippe (Germany), symbolising the steady growth of the Foundation. 

Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser, chairwoman of the Bard of Trustees said, “The Claas-Foundation has developed steadily over the past 25 years. With its diverse initiatives, it supports research in agriculture and agricultural technology and makes the possibilities and prospects of modern agricultural technology tangible - especially for the younger generation, but also for the general public. This was a matter close to my father's heart and is still close to mine today.”