More than 50 farmers, researchers and agricultural advisors gathered in Gembloux, Belgium, on 9 and 10 September 2026 for the latest SIMONE Cross-Visit, hosted by the Walloon Agricultural Research Centre (CRA-W). Over two intensive days, participants from different European countries (France, Belgium, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Germany, and Irland) explored innovative approaches to sustainable arable farming, exchanged experiences and discussed the challenges facing agriculture today.
The visit combined presentations and field observations at the CRA-W SYCI demonstration platform with four on-farm visits showcasing practical innovations and on-farm experimentation. Participants had the opportunity to discover a wide range of crops and farming systems, including companion cropping in oilseed rape, sugar beet, potatoes and soybean production.
Innovation in the Field
The programme highlighted several innovative practices currently being tested and implemented by farmers and researchers, including:
- Conservation agriculture techniques
- Foliar fertilisation strategies
- Mechanical and precision weeding
- The ECOROBOTIX precision spraying system
- Variable-rate pesticides applications and disease-resistant varieties in potato
- Low-input crops diversification
- Cover crop management and soil health approaches
For many visitors, some of these systems represented entirely new experiences. Several French farmers noted that potato and sugar beet production are uncommon in their regions due to soil and land constraints, making the visits a unique opportunity to discover industrial crop management in practice.
The demonstrations also generated lively discussions around weed control, crop rotations, access to land, organic matter management and the integration of livestock into arable systems.
Different Regions, Similar Challenges
One of the strongest messages emerging from the two days was that, despite differences in climate, soils and cropping systems, farmers across Europe face remarkably similar challenges. Participants repeatedly highlighted how valuable it was to meet colleagues from different regions and compare experiences.
"We come from different territories, but in the end we all face the same problems."
The diversity of soils sparked particular interest. Several visitors were impressed by the quality of the Belgian silt loam soils, describing them as "chocolate-like" in texture. At the same time, discussions quickly moved beyond soil types to a shared objective: maintaining healthy, resilient soils that support productive farming while reducing dependence on external inputs.
As one participant reflected, regardless of the quality of the land, everyone is striving for the same goal:
"To build the simplest and most resilient working system possible."
The Value of Farmer-to-Farmer Learning
The Cross-Visit demonstrated once again that some of the most valuable learning takes place through direct conversations in the field. Participants appreciated the opportunity to discuss practical experiences with farmers rather than simply hearing theoretical presentations. Seeing innovations under real farming conditions helped generate new ideas that could be adapted to different local contexts.
Some participants mentioned that they were already considering changes to their own systems, whether by diversifying crop rotations, exploring new crops such as soybean, or rethinking weed management strategies.
The importance of cover crops was another recurring theme, particularly among farmers practicing conservation agriculture. Discussions highlighted how different crop rotations create different opportunities and constraints, while reinforcing the central role of soil cover in sustainable farming systems.
Putting Faces to the SIMONE Network
Beyond the technical content, the visit strengthened relationships across the SIMONE community. For many participants, it was the first opportunity to meet in person partners from other countries who collaborate within the project. The diversity of backgrounds, farming systems and expertise was seen as a major strength.
Participants emphasised how important it is to connect with people who work directly with the land and face similar day-to-day realities.
"Even though we don't all farm in the same way, we can learn a great deal from each other."
The open atmosphere encouraged honest discussions about successes, challenges and future ambitions. Throughout the two days, conversations continued not only in the fields but also during informal moments, creating valuable connections that will continue beyond the event itself.
Looking Ahead
Participants expressed a strong interest in returning to Belgium in the future to see how the ongoing trials develop and what results emerge over the coming years. As one organiser noted, seeing more than 50 participants actively exchanging knowledge, asking questions and engaging in discussions was a clear sign of the value of the SIMONE approach.
The visit also served as a reminder that innovation is driven not only by research and technology, but by the passion and commitment of farmers who continually adapt their practices in response to economic pressures, environmental challenges and changing climatic conditions.
Check out our report on the cross-visit here, featuring testimonials from farmers and researchers:
The next SIMONE Cross-Visit will take place in Switzerland, hosted by Agroscope in spring 2027, where participants will once again have the opportunity to learn from each other, strengthen international connections and discover new approaches to sustainable agriculture.
A heartfelt thank you to all participating farmers, researchers and partners, and especially to the host farmers whose openness, expertise and enthusiasm made these two days such a success.