About

Praktijkpunt Landbouw Vlaams-Brabant was established on January 1st, 2020, through the merger of two organisations renowned for their extensive experience in practical agricultural research, education, and agricultural extension services for farmers since 1973.

Our primary focus lies within the Flemish Brabant region, catering specifically to arable farmers and chicory growers. Our expertise encompasses a broad range of areas, including integrated pest management (IPM), crop management, soil and water quality, renewable energy and innovative irrigation practices.

We recognise the critical importance of water as a limited resource and the need for sustainable water management in agriculture. To address this, we actively promote and implement innovative irrigation strategies that optimise water usage while ensuring optimal crop health. Our team works closely with farmers to introduce climate adaptation technologies such as precision irrigation systems, soil moisture sensors and drip irrigation methods. By utilising these techniques, farmers can effectively monitor and manage water resources, leading to improved water efficiency, minimised water waste and increased crop productivity.

We actively address issues related to water and soil quality, recognising their interconnectedness in the environment. For instance, we prioritise the prevention of erosion and advocate for proper fertilisation practices. We emphasise the significance of cover crops in minimising nutrient losses and promote soil resilience through carbon buildup.

With an extensive background in project coordination and communication, we excel in facilitating effective collaboration.

Located in Herent near Brussels, our site serves as an experimental platform where we showcase various agronomic techniques. Through our participative research approach, we collaborate closely with farmers in conducting farm trials. We provide individual assistance to farmers and foster knowledge sharing through small co-learning groups.

Our activities include organising field demonstrations and interactive learning sessions. To ensure widespread dissemination of knowledge, we employ digital media, newsletters, brochures, articles, demonstrations, networking events and field visits.

Our ultimate goal is to facilitate the exchange of expertise between farmers and scientifically-oriented researchers, enabling the practical implementation of innovations.