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
- Welcome and introduction to the SIMONE Cross-Visit and CRA-W.
- Visit to the SYCI demonstration platform, comparing three innovative arable farming systems focused on soil conservation, greenhouse gas reduction and reduced synthetic inputs.
- Farm visit to Luc Joris (Geronvillers Farm), featuring On-Farm Experimentation (OFE) on oilseed rape in a conservation agriculture system and foliar fertilisation trials in collaboration with REGENATERRE.
- Farm visit to Marc Potier Farm, showcasing an OFE trial on potato production within a mixed crop and dairy farming system, including a visit to the potato storage facilities.
- End-of-day discussion, networking dinner
Day 2 – Thursday, 10 September 2026
- Farm visit to Fabrice Flamend Farm, demonstrating precision weed management in sugar beet using the ECOROBOTIX system.
- Farm visit to Benoit Lempereur Farm, presenting variable-rate application trials in potatoes and diversification through miscanthus production.
- Closing discussion
- 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