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This research aims for yield improvement and high-quality, sustainable plant production with respect for people, animals and the environment. We optimize and evaluate (new) crop husbandry techniques (rotations, new crops, soil management, nutrients) and seed processing techniques. We develop sustainable soil management and organize official variety testing. Some interface exists between crop husbandry and environment/nature.

We study the complexity of choices made to increase sustainability. How does a competitive and sustainable production system function within an environmental, market and policy context? What makes it shock-resistant? We study the resilience of agricultural systems, develop decision support tools and models, study collaboration in the agro-food chain, create sustainability assessment tools and study learning processes in farmer groups.

This unit comprises three research areas (Agricultural Engineering, Food Safety and Product Quality and Innovation). Technical, mathematical and IT methods support mechanization and automation in production. We study the safety (microbiological and chemical) and quality of all types of foodstuffs. We develop methods to detect GMOs and allergens and to determine authenticity. We seek new functions and valorization of food products.

The interdisciplinary research group AgroFoodNature works, together with government agencies, other research institutes, cities, companies, farmers and conservationists at the interface of agri- and horticulture, food production and processing and nature conservation towards a sustainable agriculture and food system and a biodiverse green infrastructure.

AgroFoodNature focuses on:

1. a sustainable plant and animal production ...

In the research domain Integration, sustainability of the Flemish agriculture and horticulture is the core research element. Economic as well as ecological and social aspects of sustainability are integrated in the research. Methods are developed to evaluate the sustainability of a farm, chain or sector and to guide management or policy towards more sustainability.