INSTAGRO Integrates NextGenBioPest into Teaching!

On March 3rd, 2026, our partner Institut Agro Montpellier brought NextGenBioPest into the lecture hall, presenting the project to students as part of two dedicated classes on the use of companion plants and biological control.

The sessions offered students a valuable opportunity to connect theoretical knowledge with cutting-edge, real-world research being carried out within the NextGenBioPest consortium. By embedding the project's findings and approaches directly into the curriculum, Institut Agro Montpellier reinforced its commitment to training the next generation of agronomists and plant scientists with the most up-to-date perspectives on sustainable pest management.

Companion planting and biological control are two of the core pillars underpinning NextGenBioPest's vision for reducing dependence on conventional pesticides across European agriculture. Introducing students to these topics through the lens of an active Horizon Europe research project gave the classes a particular relevance — demonstrating that the transition to biopesticide-based and ecologically integrated crop protection is not a distant prospect, but an ongoing, tangible effort.

The in-person format allowed for direct engagement between the presenter and students, encouraging questions and discussion around the practical challenges and opportunities of implementing next-generation bioprotection strategies in the field.

This initiative reflects the broader educational mission of NextGenBioPest: not only to produce scientific outputs, but to actively shape awareness and understanding among future professionals who will carry sustainable agriculture forward.