Sustainable agriculture: TUdi’s annual consortium meeting

TUdi's annual consortium meeting took place from 16 to 20 September 2024 in Sofia, Bulgaria, hosted by New Bulgarian University. Project partners and external stakeholders gathered together for face-to-face discussions on the progress of TUdi and the steps forward to achieve the project’s goal of advancing soil health strategies in agriculture. The meeting was attended by over 20 participants.

The first day of the meeting was focused on presentations by all work package leaders on the progress achieved in the past year, as well as the main outputs of the project. These sessions were complemented by productive discussions between consortium members on how to move forward during the final year of the project.

The second day of the consortium meeting saw the participants go on a field trip in Bulgaria, that was focused on practical discussions around sustainable agriculture. The day started with a visit to the Institute of Soil Science, Agrotechnologies and Plant Protection "Nikola Pushkarov", where the institute’s Director Prof. Irena Atanasova presented valuable insights into current research and practices in soil management. This on-site meeting allowed consortium members to engage directly with experts, facilitating knowledge exchange that is crucial for implementing effective soil healing strategies.

After that, the participants travelled to Plovdiv, where they visited the city’s Fruit Growing Institute. The director of the institute conducted a live demonstration on pruning apple trees, showcasing practical techniques that align with sustainable agricultural practices. This hands-on experience emphasised the importance of integrating scientific research with practical applications in farming.

The final day of the consortium meeting was dedicated to strategic planning. Participants convened to discuss next steps for TUdi, focusing on how to build upon the insights gained throughout the week. Collaborative discussions aimed at refining project strategies and enhancing partnerships underscored the commitment of all members to advance sustainable agricultural practices. 

Overall, TUdi's annual consortium meeting served as a platform for collaboration and innovation among stakeholders committed to improving soil health and agricultural sustainability. The event not only facilitated knowledge sharing but also strengthened partnerships that are essential for achieving long-term project goals.