EXCURSIONS

During the excursion day, August 26, participants can select one of the following excursions where the city and bog are listed. There will be scientific content on all excursions and, of course, the best of Estonian nature!

The organiser reserves the right to make changes to the excursion programmes as necessary, including due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.

 

Day trip 1 – Field crops and applied research
Large-scale crop production systems, experimental research and sustainable farming practices.

Estonian University of Life Sciences Experimental Station

Part of the Estonian University of Life Sciences, the Rõhu Experimental Station, located 10 km from Tartu, spans 60 hectares and serves as a hub for crop production research, soil science, and sustainable technologies. The station features advanced technologies such as an autonomous field robot for precision agriculture and UAV-based monitoring and spraying systems.
In 2024, it hosted the World Ploughing Championships, and in 2025, a new facility was opened to support bioresource valorisation and collaboration between researchers and entrepreneurs. Visitors will explore selected field experiments, including long-term crop rotation trials and studies on annual, cover, and perennial crops. More information: https://pk.emu.ee/en

Production visit – Rannu Seeme Ltd.

Rannu Seeme Ltd. is an Estonian family-owned seed and crop production company established in 1993, focusing on the practical implementation of sustainable and climate-smart agriculture.
The farm manages over 2,000 hectares of arable land, producing cereals, oilseeds, and legumes while integrating environmentally oriented practices such as cover cropping, diversified crop rotations, and pollinator habitats. It combines conventional and conservation tillage systems with precision agriculture technologies, including soil monitoring, satellite data, and drone-based crop assessment.
This visit provides insight into how data-driven crop management and sustainable practices are implemented at a commercial scale under Northern European conditions.

Mustjärve bog

Mustjärve Nature Trail is a 2.3 km circular trail (difficulty level: very easy) located near Lake Võrtsjärv, running through a bog pine forest and offering a quiet nature experience.
The trail surrounds Mustjärv, a shallow (maximum depth ~1 m), 23-hectare lake with a muddy bottom, unsuitable for swimming. Visitors can experience characteristic bog landscapes, forest acoustics, and seasonal wild berries such as lingonberries and blueberries.

Approximate time schedule

8:30 Departure from Tartu
8:45-11:00 Rõhu experimental station
11:30-13:00 Production visit - Rannu Seeme
13:00-14:00 Lunch
14:15-15:15 Mustjärve bog hike
16:15 Arrival back in Tartu

 

 

Day trip 2 – Horticultural crops and peat
Horticultural production systems and peat as a key resource in growing media.

Polli Horticultural Research Centre

The Polli Horticultural Research Centre of the Estonian University of Life Sciences provides a practical base for horticultural education and research in fruit science. It introduces the diversity of fruit crops and cultivars and supports experimental work in orchards.
Polli has developed innovative approaches to the valorisation of horticultural products and is located in one of the most suitable regions in Estonia for fruit growing due to its soil and climatic conditions. More information: https://polli.emu.ee/en

Production visit – Tootsi Turvas AS

Tootsi Turvas AS is one of Estonia’s oldest peat production companies, with origins dating back to 1919. Estonia has a long tradition of peat production, with peatlands covering over 1.2 million hectares—more than one-fifth of the country’s territory.
The company specializes in the extraction and processing of peat for horticultural substrates and energy production.
This visit provides an overview of industrial-scale peat production and its role in horticulture and the bioeconomy.

Teringi bog

Teringi Study Trail is a 4.5 km circular trail (difficulty level: easy) located in the Teringi Landscape Reserve. The trail includes boardwalk and forest sections and passes through diverse bog and forest ecosystems, including raised bogs, bog islands, and natural forests.
Interpretive boards along the trail introduce local flora, fauna, and habitat types, making the site suitable for environmental education and ecosystem observation.

Approximate time schedule

8:30 Departure from Tartu
8:50-10:00 Rõhu experimental station
10:15-11:15 Production visit - Tootsi Turvas
12:15-13:15 Lunch
13:30-15:30 Polli Horticultural Research Centre
16:00-17:30 Teringi bog
19:00 Arrival back in Tartu

 

 

Day trip 3 – Crop breeding and research
Agricultural research and large-scale integrated farming.

Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK)

The Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK) is a national competence centre supporting sustainable agriculture, rural development, and food systems.
Its activities include agricultural experiments, soil and crop analysis, plant breeding, advisory services, and the development of innovative bioeconomy technologies. METK also contributes to agricultural policy and manages national data systems. More information: https://metk.agri.ee/en

Production visit – Sadala Agro Ltd.

Sadala Agro Ltd. is a large-scale Estonian agricultural enterprise established in 1999, operating an integrated crop and livestock system. The company manages over 10,000 hectares of land and cultivates cereals, oilseeds, legumes, and alternative crops such as hemp and maize.
Its circular production system includes dairy farming, producing approximately 15,000 tonnes of milk annually. This visit demonstrates system integration, nutrient cycling, and the implementation of climate-smart practices such as cover crops and reduced tillage at scale.

Männikjärve bog

Männikjärve Bog Study Trail, located in Endla Nature Reserve, offers a representative example of raised bog ecosystems in Estonia. The trail can be explored in two ways: a shorter ~2.3 km out-and-back route (difficulty level: very easy) leading to the observation tower, or a longer circular route of approximately 7.3 km (difficulty level: easy to moderate). The trail combines forest paths and boardwalk sections and includes an observation tower with panoramic views over the mire landscape.

Approximate time schedule

8:30 Departure from Tartu
9:20-11:30 Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK)
11:45-12:45 Lunch
13:00-15:00 Production visit - Sadala Agro
15:30-17:30 Männikjärve bog
18:30 Arrival back in Tartu

 

 

Day trip 4 – Field crops and vegetables
Organic farming systems, crop diversification, and short supply chains.

Estonian University experimental sites on Mardimäe Farm

Mardimäe Farm is a certified organic mixed farm in southern Estonia, operating since 2002. It manages 350 hectares of arable land and 45 hectares of permanent grassland and maintains a flock of approximately 70 grazing sheep (2024).
The main crops include oats, rye, winter and spring wheat, and buckwheat. Winter cover crops are used to improve soil quality and reduce nutrient losses. Crop rotation includes approximately 40% clover–grass, supporting soil fertility and system resilience. The farm is transitioning towards gluten-free production, reflecting diversification and adaptation to changing market demand.

Production visit – Jaagumäe Ltd.

Jaagumäe Ltd. is a large-scale agricultural enterprise in Võru County specializing in vegetable production and integrated food systems. The farm combines primary production with processing, retail, and catering, forming a vertically integrated value chain. It supplies fresh vegetables and meat products through its own food centre and distribution channels.
This visit highlights farm-level diversification, short supply chains, and value chain integration in regional food systems.

Meenikunno bog

Meenikunno Hiking Trail is a 5.8 km circular trail (difficulty level: easy to moderate) located in the Meenikunno Landscape Protection Area. The trail includes approximately 2.4 km of boardwalk and 3.4 km of forest paths, offering a diverse experience of bog and woodland ecosystems. Along the route, information points introduce local habitats and ecological processes. An observation tower provides views over the bog landscape, making the site suitable for nature observation and environmental education. There is a bog lake where you can go for a swim so bring a towel and a bathing suit if you wish to take this opportunity!

Approximate time schedule

8:30 Departure from Tartu
9:30-11:00 Production visit - Jaagumäe
11:30-12:30 Mardimäe farm
13:00-14:00 Lunch
14:30-16:40 Meenikunno bog
18:30 Arrival back in Tartu

 

 

Day trip 5 – Tartu city tour
Tartu city tour provides cultural and historical context to complement the scientific programme.

Tartu City Tour introduces Estonia’s second-largest city and a major centre of education and research. As home to the University of Tartu, founded in 1632, the city has a long academic tradition. The tour includes key landmarks such as the Town Hall Square, the University of Tartu main building, Toome Hill, and the River Emajõgi. Tartu combines historical heritage with a modern, innovation-driven environment

Visitors can obtain a free city map at the congress registration desk, the Tartu Visitor Centre (in the Town Hall building) or download the PDF version here.

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