The Educational and Scientific Laboratory of Economic Theory and Bioeconomy, together with the European Landowners Organization, represented the interests of landowners, farmers, foresters, and rural entrepreneurs at the ForumforAg

   What a busy week! It was wonderful to meet many of you at our recent events on soil biodiversity, farming for pollinators, and the Forum for the Future of Agriculture. We also celebrated the inspiring winners of the Land and Soil Management Award- congratulations to all involved! These events were filled with enriching discussions and groundbreaking ideas.We've compiled replays, press release, photographs, and articles from these events. Dive into these resources at your convenience and catch up on everything you may have missed. The Forum for the Future of Agriculture (ForumforAg) Annual Conference was held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, consisting of live broadcasts, moderated panel discussions and dialogues, interactive interventions, networking opportunities and exhibitions, live in Brussels and online. Listen to our latest podcast.
   Benedikt Bösel and his team from the German project Gut & Bösel have been awarded the prestigious Land and Soil Management Award for the 2025 edition. The award was presented on stage during the Annual Conference of the Forum for the Future of Agriculture, by Thierry de l’Escaille, Executive President of ELO, and Prof. Martin Gerzabek, Austrian ecologist and soil scientist. Farming for pollinators: Unlocking economic and ecological gains.
   The Farming for Pollinators workshop for the EU Safeguard Project, highlighted wild pollinators' vital role in agriculture. Opening presentations on recent research showed how pollination boosts yields but is often overlooked in value chains. A discussion followed on integrating wild pollinators into the books, the challenges ahead, and the need for innovation. Examples that prioritized conservation were given recognition and a call was made to the EU Commission to define clear biodiversity credit standards to prevent greenwashing and guide effective conservation opportunities. From Soil Science to Policy: harnessing the Biodiversity Beneath Our Feet for a Climate-Resilient Future.
   On March 31, 2025, SOILGUARD marked the end of four years of research with key messages: climate change is the main driver of soil biodiversity loss; biodiversity enhances both crop yield and soil multifunctionality; and local context matters greatly. Perceptions of soil’s benefits vary across regions. The innovative SoilGuardians App, developed during the project, helps farmers assess the impact of their practices. Going forward, stronger science-policy links, collaboration across EU networks, and attention to long-term effects are crucial. Don’t miss our results webinar on May 9, 2025!t, within the framework of the Forum for the Future of Agriculture, the Wildlife Estate Steering Committee convened in Brussels to define priorities for the next five years. During the meeting, the committee agreed on a strategic roadmap that will guide the Label’s work leading up to 2030, ensuring it continues to reflect and promote exemplary sustainable land management practices. The Committee discussed the current state of play, outlining some of the projects that contribute to the better implementation of the Label. They also reviewed recent policy developments in the EU, including the EU Biodiversity Strategy, and how these impact the Label’s credibility and influence going forward. The Steering Committee agreed to hold the 2025 General Assembly in Paris from September.
   At the ForumforAg Annual Conference, 20 European projects were presented at dedicated stands. The turnout was excellent, with strong engagement from stakeholders and other project teams. The projects were grouped into four thematic areas – Soil, Agri & Food, Forestry, and Biodiversity – enabling more focused discussions on key research findings and policy issues. This was supported by printed resources (brochures, policy briefs, fact sheets) and engaging visual content. It was a great opportunity to increase visibility and strengthen collaboration.
   The event aims to discuss the European Commission’s proposal to modify the conservation status of the wolf in the European Union, changing it from “strictly protected” to “protected”. This important discussion will feature a wide range of speakers, including policymakers and stakeholders representing diverse perspectives on the issue.
   The European Landowners’ Organization (ELO) is a unique federation of associations from Europe, dedicated to representing the interests of landowners, farmers, foresters, and rural entrepreneurs.

Mykola Talavyria,
D.Sc. (Economics), Professor