July 2026 - Agricultural and Rural Convention

Hungary | Hands on the Land to Grow Alternatives for Humanity

July 10, 2026 Zsámboki Biokert

Welcome back to Zsámboki Biokert, a market garden and alternative learning space, located close to Budapest. Young trainees flock here to learn how to work with nature and grow nutrient dense food. This knowledge-sharing is part of a broader strategy of resilience – for young people in pursuit of meaningful lifestyles grounded in wellbeing, but also for the farm team and wider community. When overwhelmed by the scale of the challenges, collective advocacy for agroecology can be a coping technique. A letter from the farm by Logan Strenchock. […]

Sustainable farming isn’t a threat to food security. It might be the only thing that saves it.

July 9, 2026 Andrea Beste

The real threat to your dinner isn’t organic farming – it’s climate change (and the agroindustry lobby). In this op-ed Dr Andrea Beste calls for an approach to food security based on scientific facts and systemic sustainability. […]

From Bessarabia to Brussels? Ukraine’s New AKIS Network to Connect Farmers with Knowledge

July 9, 2026 Anna Romandash

Designed to bring the fruits of research, innovation and experimentation within reach of those who need it – farmers and rural actors – the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) is a powerful tool for climate adaptation and post-war recovery, and can support the process of European standards taking root. Anna Romandash reports from Ukraine. […]

In Search of Untasted Flavours

July 8, 2026 Adèle Pautrat

Native to East Asia, the Goumi tree (Elaeagnus multiflora) is a rare find in Europe, which is a surprise considering its long list of desirable traits. Hardy and robust, the shrub requires almost no maintenance. It thrives in poor soil, which it helps enrich thanks to the nitrogen-fixing nodules on its roots. With pale green foliage, it produces fragrant white flowers, and small, glossy red fruits that look like candied berries. In a happy coincidence, not only did I discover that June is the perfect moment to taste the Goumi, but that there is actually someone growing them just a short train ride from Brussels, where I live. By Adèle Pautrat. […]