Highlights from the IALB, EUFRAS, SEASN Conference 2025 in Brussels

Brussels, 25–26 June 2025 – The 64th IALB, 14th EUFRAS, and 11th SEASN Conference brought together over 140 agricultural advisors, researchers, policy-makers, and institutions from across Europe to discuss the future of advisory services in agriculture.

A Step Forward: Launch of the Position Paper on Advisory Services in AKIS

A major milestone of the conference was the launch of the Position Paper on “How advisory work and education can support the agricultural, forestry and food sectors of the future”, co-developed by IALB, EUFRAS, and SEASN. The paper is based on a Europe-wide survey among agricultural advisors and highlights key trends, challenges, and the future direction of the advisory profession.

The paper calls for stronger AKIS structures, improved advisor training, better networking opportunities, and long-term policy support at the EU and national levels. It also emphasizes the growing importance of advisory services as facilitators of innovation and sustainability, rather than simple providers of technical information.

🔗 Read the full Position Paper here: IALB Conference Documentation

SEASN Workshop on Biodiversity in Perennial Crops

As part of the second day of the conference, SEASN and IPN co-organized a workshop titled:

“The Role of Advisory Services in the Preservation of Biodiversity of Perennial Crops in the EU.”

The session was co-led by Urban Hrovatič (SEASN) and Dr. Sladjan Stanković (IPN) and built upon the results and outputs of the CLIMED-FRUIT project, particularly its Extended Practice Articles (EPAs).

During the workshop, participants discussed the meaning of biodiversity in their own advisory contexts and how to support it through everyday farm management. Three EPA-based good practices were presented:

1. Spontaneous plant cover in almond orchards
2. On-farm production and use of compost tea
3. Cover crop management in rainfed olive groves

Working in small groups, participants explored how these practices could be promoted through advisory services and what systems of support are necessary. Three strategic priorities emerged from the discussions:

 

• Strengthening AKIS and actor support
• Co-creating with nature through research-based solutions
• Improving knowledge flows from one-way transfer to participatory exchange

The workshop concluded that biodiversity must become an integrated part of advisory services and CAP implementation, with advisors playing a key enabling role across Europe.

SEASN to Host the 2026 Joint Conference in Northeastern Slovenia

One of the announcements of the 2025 conference came from SEASN, which officially invited participants to the 65th IALB, 15th EUFRAS, and 12th SEASN Conference, to be held from 15 to 18 June 2026 in Northeastern Slovenia. The event will be co-organized by SEASN and its member, the Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry of Slovenia (CAFS).

The location at the cross-border region between Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, and Austria allows for a unique setting, where the field visits will take place in at least two SEASN member countries. The official languages of the 2026 conference will be English and Serbo-Croatian, while workshops will be available in German, English, and Serbo-Croatian.

During the closing session of the conference, participants voted on the main theme for 2026. The winning topic was:

“Target initiatives to promote the inclusion of women and young people in agriculture, with tailored learning opportunities and leadership training.”

(Results of the voting are accessible here)

The theme reflects a strong commitment by SEASN and its partners to supporting the next generation of farmers and advisors, ensuring that diversity, equity, and leadership development remain key pillars of the advisory profession.

Save the date:

🗓️ 15-18 June 2026

📍 Northeastern Slovenia

Details about the program, registrations, and logistics will be shared in late 2025

Looking Ahead

SEASN is proud to have contributed actively to the success of the 2025 conference and looks forward to welcoming, together with CAFS, the European advisory community to Slovenia in 2026. The outcomes of this year’s conference, particularly the Position Paper, the biodiversity workshop, and the shared commitment to inclusive advisory services, confirm that cross-border collaboration is essential for building resilient and future-proof agricultural systems across Europe.