International Conference on Research and Innovation in Pomology to Be Held in Bucharest and Ilfov

The Fruit Growing Research and Development Station Băneasa will host the International Conference “Partnership for Research and Innovation in Pomology” on June 17–18, 2025.

The event is organized in collaboration with the Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences “Gheorghe Ionescu-Șișești” – Horticulture Section, the Romanian Society of Horticulturists (SRH), the National Rural Network, and the Sectoral Committee for Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries in Romania (CSAPPR), alongside scientific partners:

• Research and Development Institute for Plant Protection (ICDPP)
• Institute of Food Bioresources (IBA)
• Institute for Agricultural Economics and Rural Development (ICEADR)

The event is also supported by Romanian and international technology partners, including BRITE Solar (Greece), ARANET (Latvia), InterNET SRL, Proon-Tech, Syswin Solutions (SysAgria), Riagro (DroneBox), Metzer, Syngenta, RomTech, Agromec Ștefănești, among others.

From Vision to Reality

Under the motto “From Innovation to Application: Sustainable Roots for Profitable Yields,” the conference aims to accelerate the integration of new technologies in pomology by strengthening the connections between researchers, farmers, companies, and policymakers.

The event is open to the press, specialists, students, and anyone interested in the future of sustainable fruit growing.

Bringing together researchers, AgriHighTech companies, innovators, farmers, and public administrators, the conference provides a dedicated platform to explore future directions in pomology.

Discussions will focus on practical solutions to current challenges in the sector, with a spotlight on cutting-edge technologies and innovative practices.

Key Topics:

• Hortivoltaic systems
• Smart frost and hail protection
• Precision irrigation
• Use of drones and robotics for monitoring and intervention
• Plant protection 4.0
• Digital orchard management

The conference also aims to foster essential inter-institutional dialogue, aligning farmers' real needs with national strategies for research, innovation, and rural development.

Official representatives from central authorities involved in agriculture, energy, environment, and research-innovation policy have been formally invited.

Two Days of Dialogue and Demonstrations in Modern Horticulture

Conference Programme:

DAY I – June 17 | ASAS Aula, Bucharest (hybrid format)

• 10:00 – 11:15 – Official opening, ministerial and international interventions (Greece, Latvia)
• 11:15 – 13:00 – Romanian and international hortivoltaic solutions and applications
• 13:00 – 15:30 – Thematic research and applied technology sessions (plant protection, agricultural economics, irrigation, drones, sensors, AI)
• 15:30 – 16:00 – Scientific debate: “Partnership and Innovation in Pomology”
• 16:00 – Official closing and invitation to field demonstrations on the following day

DAY II – June 18 | Moara Domnească Experimental Base (Ilfov County)

• 09:10 – 10:30 – Online workshops:
• Hortivoltaic 360°
• Drones and robotics in fruit growing
• SMART irrigation
• Pest and disease management
• 11:00 – 12:00 – On-site workshops and field demonstrations:
• Hazelnut irrigation systems
• Innovations in mulberry cultivation
• Use of mushroom compost in almond orchards
• Grass cover systems and IoT in berry shrub cultivation

Official representatives from public authorities responsible for agriculture, rural investment financing, energy, environmental protection, and research and innovation have been invited.

“Romania currently has a valuable opportunity to showcase its openness to innovation and its commitment to applying research outcomes in critical areas like pomology. I’m pleased to announce that Mr. Andrei Alexandru, President of the National Research Authority, has confirmed his attendance at this event dedicated to connecting scientific progress in fruit growing with the latest directions in applied research.

We are open to collaboration and fully committed to building bridges between science, agricultural practice, and public decision-making — a vital prerequisite for addressing the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.”

— Viorel Oltenacu, Director, Fruit Growing Research and Development Station Băneasa

Participation Details:

• Free of charge, based on registration
• Format: In-person + live streaming (link available on the official website)
• Full agenda and registration form: https://scdpbaneasa.ro/cercetare/evenimente-stiintifice-si-profesionale/ and the official Facebook page of SCDP Băneasa