The 2026 Forum for the Future of Agriculture (ForumforAg) Annual Conference will take place on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, consisting of live broadcasts, moderated panel discussions and dialogues, interactive interventions, networking opportunities and exhibitions, live in Brussels and online.
In-person location:The Square, Brussels, Belgium
Date and time: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 (09:00 – 17:00 (CET))
Registrations will open later this year.
Save the date.
The Conselleria de Agricultura, Ganadería y Pesca (CADRET) is the Valencian regional ministry responsible for agriculture, livestock, fisheries, food, irrigation, and the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy. As a public body, CADRET develops and enforces regional policies, supports sustainable farming practices, and promotes innovation in the agri-food sector, ensuring that environmental, economic, and social objectives are balanced across the Valencian agricultural landscape.
The GEORGIA project is dedicated to turn water management and soil health challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth and innovation. Aligned with Europe’s Green Deal objectives, GEORGIA is driving an agricultural transformation that is environmentally sound, socially equitable and economically viable. By combining agricultural expertise with AI-powered digital tools and technologies, GEORGIA advances water management and irrigation practices, while utilizing alternative and recycled water sources.
The Region of North Aegean (RNA) is a decentralized public authority of Greece responsible for the governance and development of the islands of Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Ikaria, Limnos, and Agios Efstratios.
As a regional government body, RNA oversees economic development, environmental protection, agricultural policy, infrastructure, and social welfare programs within its jurisdiction. It plays a key role in implementing national and EU-funded projects, promoting innovation, sustainability, and regional cohesion. RNA also supports local communities and stakeholders through strategic planning and coordination of initiatives in areas such as rural development, renewable energy, tourism, and cultural heritage.
Through its active participation in European partnerships and projects, RNA works to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of the North Aegean islands while ensuring sustainable growth and social well-being.
RNA acts as a policy representative and public authority partner from Greece. RNA contributes its expertise in agriculture, rural development, and the implementation of regional innovation strategies (RIS3). Its role focuses on supporting the alignment of project outcomes with regional and national policies, ensuring that the innovations and sustainable irrigation solutions demonstrated in RAINS can be effectively integrated into public frameworks and future agricultural programs. As a regional authority, RNA also helps facilitate stakeholder engagement and policy uptake, strengthening the connection between research, local governance, and practical implementation.
Probelte is a pioneering agribiotechnology company with over 50 years of experience in the agricultural sector. It develops innovative solutions based on microorganisms to enhance productivity, restore soil balance, and ensure healthy food production.
In 2021, Probelte became part of the new integrated solutions platform Agronova Biotech, further strengthening its value. Through innovative products, technical support, and digital tools, it provides farmers with guidance and solutions at every stage of the production cycle.
PROBELTE serves as the industrial innovation partner in RAINS, focusing on the formulation and development of bio-based fertilisers. Leveraging its expertise in plant nutrition and protection, the company translates project outputs into scalable, market-ready products, ensuring effective nutrient delivery and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
ARCHA is an Italian company that provides chemical & biological analytical, research and consultancy services to enterprises, in different industrial sectors such as food, waste
management, etc. Laboratory area has been accredited according to ISO 17025, research area performs R&D&I activities, the consulting area provides services related with regulatory compliance on the environment, H&S in workplaces, implementation of Quality, Environment and Safety systems.
ARCHA has been recognised by Certification Bodies to perform the complete analytical protocols for SOIL biodegradability certifications (OK biodegradable SOIL by TÜV Austria and Soil biodegradable by DIN CERTCO), for industrial and home compostability, water and marine certifications. ARCHA is certified according to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and SA8000 and provides services related with regulatory compliance, implementation of Quality, Environment and Safety systems.
The Catalan Water Partnership (CWP) is an association based in Catalonia (Spain) that encompasses representatives of the overall value chain of the water sector. It is commited to promote innovation, sustainability and International colaboration by fostering joint projects and knowledge exchange. CWP suports the development and implementation of smart, eficient water solutions and plays a key role in adressing global challenges like water scarcity, digital transformation and the transition towards a circular economy
Water Europe is a leading Belgian-based multi-stakeholder platform representing the entire European water value chain. Originating as the European Technology Platform (ETP) for water, it unites industry, research, and policy actors to drive sustainable water management and innovation. Water Europe facilitates knowledge exchange, supports policy development, and fosters collaboration across the EU, promoting integrated solutions for water security, circular economy practices, and climate resilience.
In RAINS, Water Europe contributes through policy advocacy and EU networking. The organisation connects stakeholders, promotes regulatory alignment, and ensures that project outcomes inform European water and nutrient management policies. Its work supports the wider adoption of bio-based fertilisers and circular nutrient solutions across the EU.
ATLANTIS Perivallon Kai Kainotomia Limited is a Cypriot consultancy specialised in environmental and innovation management. The company provides expertise in the development of exploitation strategies, business planning, and sustainability-driven solutions. With participation in over 20 EU-funded projects, ATLANTIS combines practical experience with strategic insight, supporting organisations in translating research outcomes into market-ready innovations while ensuring effective intellectual property management and commercial impact.
In RAINS, ATLANTIS leads exploitation and IPR management, developing strategies to maximise the commercial and societal impact of project results. The company supports partners in business planning, innovation valorisation, and safeguarding intellectual property, ensuring that bio-based fertiliser solutions are effectively translated into sustainable market opportunities.
The Agricultural Cooperative of Petra (ACP) was founded in 1927 by farmers from the areas of Petra and Lafiona and is one of the most historic and active cooperatives on the island of Lesvos. Its main activities include the operation of an olive mill and a dairy, the collection of goat and sheep milk from its members, the trade of animal feed, and the sale of traditional Lesvos products and agricultural supplies.
ACP remains committed to supporting local farmers and livestock breeders. Its goal is to produce high-quality olive oil and feta cheese, promote sustainable agriculture, and strengthen the local community. With respect for tradition and a spirit of innovation, the cooperative invests in new technologies, fostering sustainability and expressing its deep love for the land and its products.
ACP plays the role of an end-user representative and demonstration partner. As an agricultural cooperative in Lesvos with around 655 farmers, ACP is directly involved in testing and validating innovative irrigation and fertilization solutions in real-world agricultural settings. The cooperative provides access to demo farms and facilitates engagement with local farmers to observe and adopt RAINS technologies.
Through its participation, ACP helps build confidence, gather user feedback, and promote the large-scale adoption of sustainable water and nutrient management practices within the farming community.
Leiden University, one of Europe’s leading research institutions, is home to the Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), renowned for its work in industrial ecology, sustainability assessment, and environmental biology. CML conducts cutting-edge research on resource cycles, ecosystem impacts, and environmental modelling. With extensive experience in interdisciplinary EU projects, the university contributes robust scientific methods and analytical expertise to advance sustainable resource management.
Leiden University acts as an innovation provider in RAINS, leading phosphorus modelling across the catchment scale. CML develops and applies advanced models to quantify P fluxes, assess environmental impacts, and support the optimisation of circular nutrient strategies. Their work ensures that bio-based fertiliser solutions are grounded in sound scientific and systems-level analysis.
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) is a leading Spanish university specialising in engineering and technological research. Within UPM, the CEIGRAM group focuses on innovation development and the environmental assessment of agricultural systems, studying the impacts of farming practices on soil, water, and nutrient cycles. The university combines advanced modelling, field experiments, and interdisciplinary research to promote sustainable agriculture and resource-efficient management strategies.
In RAINS, UPM leads nitrogen (N) modelling efforts, analysing nutrient flows and environmental impacts at field and catchment scales. CEIGRAM applies advanced models to optimise fertiliser use, support decision-making, and ensure that bio-based fertiliser solutions contribute to sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.
Hellenic Agricultural Organization “DIMITRA” (ELGO–DIMITRA) is Greece’s leading national organization dedicated to advancing agricultural research, innovation, development and education under the Ministry of Rural Development and Food. It serves as a bridge between scientific excellence and practical application, empowering farmers and agri-businesses to adopt sustainable, high-impact practices.
Within its structure, the Soil and Water Resources Institute (SWRI) stands out as a center of excellence in soil and water management, Nature-based Solutions, and digital agriculture. SWRI combines cutting-edge research with field expertise to promote circular, climate-resilient, and resource-efficient farming systems and agri-environmental practices. In the RAINS project, SWRI plays a pivotal role in developing and demonstrating innovative water reuse and irrigation solutions, ensuring that scientific innovation translates into tangible benefits for agriculture, the environment, and rural communities.
ELGO-DIMITRA / SWRI serves as both an innovation provider and demonstration leader. ELGO develops and tests wastewater treatment technologies using biochar-enhanced wetlands, contributing to sustainable water reuse and nutrient management.
As leader of WP 1, coordinates the preparation and adaptation of RAINS solutions to end-user needs, creating a stakeholder database, organizing co-creation workshops with farmers, and preparing Greek demo sites for testing. It also supports environmental and safety assessments of innovations and contributes to data collection and analysis throughout the project. Through these roles, ELGO ensures that RAINS solutions are technically sound, user-centered, and aligned with EU sustainability.
AIMPLAS is a technology center with over 30 years of experience in R&D of advanced solutions in plastic materials. It operates more than 35 pilot plants and laboratories, supported by a multidisciplinary team of experts. AIMPLAS specializes in developing innovative, sustainable technologies that drive industrial competitiveness, covering the entire plastics value chain, from material development to processing and end of life. AIMPLAS technical capacities support companies in achieving circular economy and high-performance product goals.
AgroApps is a Greek SME specializing in the development of digital solutions for the agri-food sector. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, AgroApps empowers stakeholders across the agri-food value chain through advanced tools that integrate Earth Observation technology, AI, and field data to enhance data-driven decision-making, improve agricultural productivity and support climate adaptation. AgroApps actively participates in EU projects, bridging cutting-edge technology with real-world farming needs.
CIAGRO-UMH is an Agrifood and Agri-environmental focused Research Center, expert in innovations for sustainable agriculture and circular economy. They have a problem-solver procedure, close to producers giving added-values solutions from science and technology, especially related to water management, soil quality and fertilizers optimization to maximize production in an environmentally-friendly manner. One of the third best Spanish agrifood research center and expert in intensive mediterranean production systems.
REVOLVE is a Brussels-based SME dedicated to communicating sustainability-related topics, with a focus on water, energy, ecosystems, mobility, and circular economy. They provide communication support to EU-funded initiatives and work closely with strategic partners to advance their sustainability projects. REVOLVE brings fresh perspectives and creative solutions to improve your outreach and boost your impact.
SAV – Sociedad Anónima Agricultores de la Vega de Valencia is a leading Spanish environmental services company specialising in waste management, water treatment, and the development of circular bio-based technologies. With decades of experience delivering large-scale industrial and sustainability solutions, SAV combines technical expertise with strong project management capabilities. The company actively participates in European innovation initiatives, driving advancements in resource efficiency, bioprocessing, and sustainable agriculture.
As RAINS project coordinator, SAV leads the demonstration of bio-based fertilisers produced from blood and microalgae via enzymatic hydrolysis into protein hydrolysates. The company oversees technical integration, guides innovation management, and operates one of the project’s Spanish demo sites to validate performance under real agricultural conditions.
