19th Congress of the European Society for Agronomy at the Estonian University of Life Sciences

The 19th Congress of the European Society for Agronomy will take place from 24 to 28 August 2026 at the Estonian University of Life Sciences in Tartu. Under the leadership of ESA President Prof Evelin Loit-Harro, the congress will bring together leading experts in agronomy and crop science to discuss the main challenges and opportunities of modern crop production and agriculture. The focus is on soil plant interactions, experiences from organic production, increasing the resilience of agriculture and different agronomic technologies that help keep yields stable under climate change.

Estonia, with its abundant freshwater resources, offers a good opportunity to address water use in crop production. One of the key themes is how to use water wisely and efficiently in agriculture. Strong attention will also be given to diversity in time and space. The congress will discuss crop rotations and the role of perennial crops as food and feed, as well as their links to animal production.

The congress directly connects fields with food. The emphasis is on the understanding that decisions made in the field influence food quality all the way to the bread on the table. There will also be discussion on how agronomic knowledge can better inform policy and help to shape agricultural policies that support science based choices in farmers’ everyday work.

The congress programme includes scientific sessions on the cozy campus of the Estonian University of Life Sciences, visits to the university’s experimental fields and the fields of the Estonian Crop Research Institute, as well as excursions to Estonian wetlands that bring together the themes of land, water and food.

For the Estonian University of Life Sciences, this is an important opportunity to present its research results, learn from others and build new partnerships. Abstract submission is open until 31 January 2026 and registration for the congress is already available on the website www.esa2026.eelink opens in new page. If you would like to contribute to the organisation of the congress, you are welcome to contact Prof Evelin Loit-Harro.