NextGenBioPest Annual Meeting and Workshop!

The NextGenBioPest consortium gathered in person at Institut Agro Montpellier for its Annual Meeting and a specialized Workshop on “Innovative Approaches for Sustainable Pest Control in Vegetables and Horticulture.” With over 35 representatives from leading research institutes, SMEs, and industrial partners across Europe and beyond, the event marked a key milestone in the project’s progress.

The two-day meeting provided a platform to review work package achievements, coordinate efforts for the upcoming 18-month EU report, and refine the Year 2 action plan across scientific, technical, and communication tasks. Attendees engaged in strategic discussions on diagnostics, biological control, RNA-based biopesticides, green chemicals, ecological practices, and socio-economic assessments—all aligned with the project’s mission to reduce chemical pesticide use while increasing crop yields.

Highlights from the Annual Meeting

Led by Project Coordinator John Vontas (FORTH), the sessions covered the full spectrum of innovation in sustainable pest management:

• WP1–WP9 Progress Reports and action plans from leaders including UPV, GLB, UGent, IVIA, ELGO, SUA, and SAH.

• Intensive discussions on molecular diagnostics, RNAi technology, biocontrol agent performance, and field trials.

• ESAC feedback and collaborative group sessions to support long-term planning and EU reporting.

• Preliminary preparation for upcoming Horizon Europe calls focused on plant health and pesticide resistance.

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Workshop: Spotlight on Innovation and Cross-Project Synergies

The afternoon of June 25 featured a public Workshop on Innovative Approaches, welcoming external experts and clustering opportunities with related Horizon Europe projects.

Notable presentations included:

• “Modern tools and approaches in the new era of plant protection” by John Vontas (FORTH)

• “Bio-based crop protection solutions” by Lucia Zappalà (University of Catania)

• “Intraguild predation and the use of multiple enemies” by Enric Frago (CIRAD)

• Insights on pest resistance diagnostics, predatory mites, and the impact of water stress on pest/predator dynamics from INRAE, InstAgro, CTIFL, and others.

The workshop not only highlighted the scientific depth of the consortium but also fostered connections with parallel efforts such as EUFAWREADY, aimed at enhancing Europe’s readiness for managing invasive pests.

Looking Ahead

The Montpellier meeting reinforced the value of collaboration and multi-actor engagement in building resilient, sustainable plant protection systems. As NextGenBioPest moves into its second year, the consortium is well-positioned to deliver real-world solutions for growers and policymakers alike.

Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward with field trials, stakeholder engagement, and technology deployment across Europe.