About the organisers

Pcfruit npo, acknowledged as center of excellence in fruit research

pcfruit npo was started in 1997 as a coordinating structure of three former research institutes and demonstration gardens, all specialised in fruit growing and located in the heart of the fruit growing area of Belgium. The oldest of these comprising institutes was founded in 1943. The success of pcfruit is due to the combination of applied scientific research, demonstration activities to growers and services for industry and fruit growers at one central location with suitable infrastructure like labs, greenhouses, storage facilities, plastic tunnels, shelters, warehouses and over 60 ha of trial orchards. Innovations in areas as crop protection, biological control, IPM, plant nutrition, application technology, variety evaluation, precision agriculture, are developed and judged on their added value to fruit growing. Companies (from SME to multinational) are offered various services going from lab research to field evaluations (GEP trials). The individual fruit growers are assisted in the introduction of new technologies and sustainable production methods. A close relationship with individual growers and grower associations exists, which benefits transfer of research results or information.

Wageningen Research

Wageningen Research (WR) is part of Wageningen University & Research (WUR), the only university in the Netherlands dedicated to the theme of healthy food and a sustainable living environment. By working closely with governments, industry, and research partners, we bridge the gap between fundamental research and practical applications. Within Wageningen Plant Research, the Field & Fruit Crops business unit specializes in applied research, transforming scientific insights into real-world agricultural solutions. Our work is grounded in agroecology, integrating agronomic systems, land use, and sustainability. We study the soil-crop-environment continuum at both the process and ecosystem levels, using experimental design, computer modeling, and on-farm testing in collaboration with stakeholders. Our research supports sustainable agriculture, food security, and resource efficiency, reinforcing the Netherlands’ position as a global leader in agriculture. We also conduct economic and risk assessments, particularly in relation to pests and diseases, and have strong industry connections through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). Our outreach to the fruit sector includes grower meetings, field visits, demonstrations, and conferences, ensuring that our research delivers maximum impact.