NextGenBioPest partners meet French apple growers to explore companion plants in orchards!
On 16 June 2026, the Hellenic Agricultural Organization – DIMITRA (ELGO-DIMITRA), partner in the NextGenBioPest project, visited demonstration apple orchards in Avignon, France. The visit brought together project representatives, local farmers and French researchers for a day of field observation and open discussion on the practical use of companion plants in orchard pest management.
Bringing research to the orchard
Demonstration fields are where scientific ideas meet the realities of everyday farming. During the visit, participants toured the apple orchards and looked at how plants grown alongside the crop can be integrated into orchard systems. Companion plants can support natural enemies of pests and contribute to more resilient, biodiversity-friendly Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, reducing the need for conventional plant protection products.
Listening to farmers
A central aim of the visit was to interact directly with farmers and assess their willingness to adopt companion plants in their orchards. Growers shared their experience, their expectations and the practical questions that matter to them, from management and workload to costs and the expected benefits for pest control.
Exchanges with French researchers complemented this farmer perspective, enabling a productive dialogue between scientific knowledge and on-farm practice.
Why farmer engagement matters
Even the most promising biological control solutions will only make a difference if farmers can and want to use them. Understanding growers' attitudes and needs at an early stage helps NextGenBioPest develop bio-based approaches that are realistic, cost-effective and ready for uptake. The insights gathered in Avignon will inform the project's ongoing work on sustainable pest management in fruit production.
Looking ahead
NextGenBioPest will continue to engage with farmers, researchers and other stakeholders across Europe to ensure that its results respond to real needs in the field. We warmly thank the French farmers and researchers for their welcome and valuable input, and our colleagues at ELGO-DIMITRA for leading the exchange.
