Welcome to the 19th Congress of the European Society for Agronomy in Tartu, Estonia!

Dear Friends,

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the European Society for Agronomy Congress in Tartu, Estonia in 24 – 28 of August 2026.

European Society for Agronomy congress embraces the broad and dynamic field of agronomy, bringing together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to address the challenges and opportunities of modern crop production. Agronomy is inherently interdisciplinary, connecting soil and plant scientists, all working toward sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. We will explore the lessons learnt in organic farming and explore different resilience supporting agrotechnologies.

Estonia with its abundant freshwater resources offers a unique setting to explore water use in crop systems. One of our key themes will be how to manage water wisely in agriculture, especially in the face of climate variability and increasing demand.

Diversity in time and space is one cornerstone for resilience. While crop rotations are well established, perennial food and feed crops in rotations still remain understudied. We aim to present some of the first results from trials and studies that aim to bring these crops into broader use. Furthermore, this will be a good opportunity to make a step closer to animal production.

We also want to emphasize the link to food quality. Decisions made in the field do not stop at the harvest — their impact continues all the way to the loaf of bread. Let’s challenge ourselves to think across the entire value chain, from field to fork.

Last but not least, the knowledge we have created must inform and support policy documents that shape the everyday decisions of farmers. Let’s discuss how to strengthen collaboration between science, practice, and policy to ensure that agronomic innovations reach the field.

Agronomy is also an art. Estonia has a vibrant, living culture. One of the world’s greatest living composers is Estonian Arvo Pärt, who turned 90 in 2025. His music at first seems simple and transparent, but then one finds it has many layers of meaning, and his so-called tintinnabuli style has defined new directions for music. At this congress, let’s take his inspiration, and define new, successful directions for agriculture.

We will gather at the beautiful and cozy campus of the Estonian University of Life Sciences in Tartu. In addition to scientific sessions, we will visit experimental fields at the University and at the Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge, meet with farmers, and conclude our excursions in Estonia’s rich wetland landscapes — a reminder of the deep connection between land, water, and food.

I am looking forward to meeting you in Tartu!

Prof. Evelin Loit-Harro

ESA president