On 9 and 10 September 2026, the SIMONE project will organise a two-day Cross-Visit at the Walloon Agricultural Research Centre (CRA-W) in Gembloux, Belgium. The event will bring together farmers, researchers and practice partners to exchange knowledge and discover practical innovations in sustainable arable farming through On-Farm Experimentation (OFE).
The programme combines visits to the CRA-W SYCI demonstration platform with on-farm visits showcasing innovative crop management practices. Participants will discover field trials on conservation agriculture, foliar fertilisation, precision weeding with the ECOROBOTIX system and variable-rate applications in potatoes. The Cross-Visit offers an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences with peers and see innovative farming practices in action.
Participation is free of charge and attendees are welcome to join the full two-day programme, a single day or only selected sessions.
Programme highlights
Day 1 – Wednesday, 9 September 2026
- 10:15 a.m.: Welcome
- 10:25 a.m.: Introduction by CRA-W
- 10:45 a.m.: Visit to the SYCI platform (comparison of three innovative cropping systems)
- 12:00 p.m.: Lunch
- 1:30 p.m.: Visit to farm 1: oilseed crops, foliar fertilization, no-till farming
- 3:30 p.m.: Visit to farm 2: potatoes in a mixed farming system, storage facilities
- 5:30 p.m.: Return to Gembloux
- 7:00 p.m.: Dinner
Day 2 – Thursday, 10 September 2026
- 8:00 a.m.: Departure for the first farm
- 8:40 a.m.: Visit to farm 3: sugar beet, ECOROBOTIX precision weeding system
- 10:40 a.m.: Visit to farm 4: variable-rate application in potatoes, miscanthus
- 1:40 p.m.: End of the Cross-Visit
- Optional: Visit to the Libramont experimental farm
Practical information
- Date: 9–10 September 2026
- Gembloux
- Participation: Free of charge, registration is mandatory
For more information, please contact:
Sylvain Hennart – s.hennart@cra.wallonie.be
Pénélope Lamarque – p.lamarque@cra.wallonie.be