Event Workshop: Soy in Flanders?! (how) Did it become a success story and what lessons can we draw for other new crops?

Lectures by a variety of experts on the introduction of soy as an innovative crop and food ingredient in Flanders; Panel discussion: what lessons can we learn for other new crops?; Network lunch; (optional) Field trip: visit the ILVO soy fields and new protein processing line at Food Pilot

Language? English

Who? This workshop is organized for professionals in agrifood and tech by Flanders.bio, Flanders’ FOOD and ILVO

FestILVO? Enjoy the rest of the festILVO programme, celebrating 90 years of ILVO.

Although soy is cultivated still on a small scale in Flanders, ten years of research and development has shown its potential:

• Cultivation is technically possible
• Soy needs little to none fertilization because it can fix atmospheric Nitrogen
• Soy in crop rotation has clear benefits in terms of sustainability
• All the necessary players for the cultivation, breeding and processing (food and feed) of soy are present in Flanders, which allows for a local value chain
• Locally grown, GMO-free soy is growing in demand

In this workshop:

• We discuss soy as an example of how innovations in the agri-foodtech can be adopted
• We draw lessons for other crops and innovations
• We connect local players in agriculture and food to reflect on the potential of future business initiatives
• We identify future research needs

These experts will share their insights:

• Gert Engelen: Programme Coordinator, Rikolto Belgium
• Isabel Roldán-Ruiz: Scientific director of the Plant Sciences Unit at ILVO and professor at the Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics of Ghent University
• Sofie Goormachtig: professor at the Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics of Ghent University and group leader of the Rizosphere group at the VIB centre of Plant Systems Biology
• Benjamin Laga: CEO of Protealis
• Fred Van Ex: Managing Director Inari Belgium - Vice President R&D Discovery & Product Design
• Johan Cardoen: Biotech board executive and former Managing Director of VIB

Your afternoon choice!

After lunch at 1PM, we take you on a field trip (by bus). Watch our soy plants grow in the field and visit the new protein line in Food Pilot. This field trip will only take place if there are enough participants.