NextGenBioPest at Belgium's Open Company Day!

On October 4th, 2026, our partner Inagro took part in Belgium's Open Company Day in Roeselare, using the occasion to present NextGenBioPest to the general public. The event gave citizens the chance to visit the organisation, see its work first-hand and learn how research is contributing to more sustainable agriculture.

A Day for Discovering What Happens Behind the Scenes

Open Company Day is a Belgian initiative in which companies and organisations open their doors to visitors, giving families, students and curious residents a rare look at where and how products, services and innovations are created. For a research and advisory centre such as Inagro, which works closely with farmers and growers in the region, it is a valuable opportunity to show that modern agriculture is a field of science, technology and innovation.

Inagro is known for its applied agricultural research and its greenhouse facilities, where many practical trials on sustainable crop production take place. Earlier this year, these facilities also welcomed groups of Ghent University students and regional coordinators of agricultural education, who learned about NextGenBioPest on site.

Informing Citizens About NextGenBioPest

During the event, Inagro presented the project to visitors, explaining in accessible terms why new approaches to pest control are needed and how NextGenBioPest is working to develop them. The main message was that protecting crops does not have to depend on conventional synthetic pesticides alone: biological control agents, innovative biopesticides and other eco-friendly tools can play a growing role in the way food is produced.

Speaking directly with the public is a valuable complement to scientific publications and conferences. It gives citizens the chance to ask questions, voice concerns and discover that European research projects are tackling issues that matter to their daily lives, including food safety, the environment and the future of farming in their own region.

Why Reaching the Public Matters

Public awareness and understanding are important for the successful adoption of sustainable pest management. Consumers influence the market, and informed citizens are better placed to support farmers who choose more sustainable practices. By participating in Open Company Day, Inagro contributed to building this understanding at local level, in the heart of a region with a strong agricultural tradition.