The project consortium Horizon Europe AdvisoryNetPEST, coordinated by CONSULT, met in Ghent between 19 and 21 January. The annual meeting served to align priorities and define the strategies guiding the project's work throughout 2026.

O AdvisoryNetPEST it is funded by Horizon Europe programme and it is the first project coordinated by CONSULT. Bye 2029, intends to bolster the technical advisory services of European Union e disseminate new approaches that contribute to reducing the use and risks of pesticides, in line with the objectives of from pasture to plate strategy.

Visit to the greenhouse Agrotopia

One of the most relevant moments of the meeting was the technical visit to the project's greenhouse Agrotopia, European reference infrastructure in greenhouse horticulture and urban agriculture research and innovation, developed by INAGRO, the research and advisory centre for agriculture and horticulture in the West Flanders region.

A Agrotopia it is a research hub designed as a living laboratory, where researchers, producers, technological partners and other sector stakeholders collaborate on the development of the greenhouse horticulture of the future.

Urban farming technology

Located on top of a building in Roeselare, the greenhouse combines advanced growing technology with applied research and makes it possible to test production methods adapted to urban contexts. Systems such as hydroponics and the integrated use of LED lighting and natural light are developed and evaluated there, with the aim of maximising plant growth and optimising resource use.

More than just a space for growing vegetables, the Agrotopia It is an infrastructure focused on research, demonstration, innovation and collaboration, which helps to rethink the way food is produced in urban environments.

The visit allowed the partners of the AdvisoryNetPEST engage closely with innovative approaches and good practices that reinforce the project's ambition to promote more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.