SCALE-it joined the EU AgRI 2040 Conference in Brussels, represented by Project Coordinator Carla Pinho from FiBL Europe. The event highlighted the importance of turning research into practical solutions and ensuring continued investment in research and innovation for the future of European agri-food systems.
SCALE-it took part in the EU AgRI 2040 Conference – “Future-proofing EU Agri-Food through Research and Innovation”, held in Brussels on 24–25 September 2026. The conference brought together policymakers, researchers, farmers, businesses and other stakeholders to exchange perspectives on the recently published “New Strategic Approach to Research and Innovation for competitive, resilient and sustainable agriculture, forestry, rural areas and food systems.“
A key message emerging from the conference was the need to accelerate the uptake of practical, field-tested solutions that respond to the needs of farmers, businesses and consumers. Discussions also highlighted the importance of scaling up innovation, investing in people, digitalisation and advisory services, and ensuring that research remains demand-driven and user-centred.
These priorities are closely connected to SCALE-it’s multi-actor approach. Through demonstration activities across Europe, the project brings together farmers, advisors, veterinarians, researchers and other actors to test promising alternatives to contentious inputs under real farming conditions and facilitate their wider uptake.
As part of the conference exhibition, SCALE-it welcomed Elisabeth Werner, Director-General for Agriculture and Rural Development at the European Commission, to the project stand. Project Coordinator Carla Pinho presented the project’s objectives and approach, including its work to reduce dependency on contentious inputs in organic farming.
The conference also underlined the value of participatory and practice-oriented research. Co-design, collaboration with farmers and on-farm testing can help ensure that innovation responds to real needs while addressing challenges related to soil health, biodiversity, climate resilience and the use of external inputs.
Participation in EU AgRI 2040 provided an important opportunity for SCALE-it to connect with the wider European research and innovation community. The event also reinforced the need for continued investment in research to develop, test and scale up solutions that can contribute to the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of European agriculture.
About SCALE-it project
SCALE-it runs for 48 months and is funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme (2021-2027), with co-funding from the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). The project is coordinated by FiBL Europe, with scientific leadership from FiBL Switzerland.
