Summer school of 2026: “Conservation Agriculture in Mediterranean Systems in a Climate Change Scenario”

From 27^th – 29^th of April 2026, a second Summer School on “Conservation Agriculture in Mediterranean Systems in a Climate Change Scenario” will be organized by Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, I. P. (INIAV).

This 3-day event will again take place in Elvas (Portugal).

Theme

The traditional agricultural system of Southern Europe is close to the objectives of Agroecology in terms of sustainability, adaptation to climatic and soil conditions and respect for biodiversity. In these systems, breeding programs are aimed at creating materials adapted to the production method. Conservation Agriculture is therefore a relevant instrument for sustainability and Agroecology. The Mediterranean is also a region in the front line to be affected by Climate Change. This issue will also be addressed in this Summer School.

Who can participate?

Participants will include farmers, advisors, researchers and other stakeholders willing to learn and share their experience and good practices in the field of agroecology, from EU member states and associated and candidate countries. (NOTE: Only candidates with a citizenship from an EU Member State or an Associate Country OR citizens from other countries BUT working in an EU MS or AC are eligible. All other applicants will not be accepted).

Why should you participate?

This Summer School offers an immersive experience combining expert-led lectures, practice-focused discussions, and hands-on farm visits. Participants will be able to share their experience and also gain knowledge into applied research, real-world farming applications, and the challenges and opportunities of Agroecology in Southern Europe. Whether you're a farmer, researcher, or professional, this course will equip you with the knowledge and connections needed to drive the agroecological transition forward.

Selection criteria

A dedicated team of experts will review the quality of the applications. Each application will be evaluated against following criteria:

• Motivation: Explain your motivation for participating in this Summer School, including your expectations, why you want to take part, but also how the group may benefit from your participation, and what your contribution might be.
• Benefit for your professional activities: To what extend will this Summer School be important for your professional activity.
• Practical experience: For example, if you are a farmer/practitioner, you should describe your practical experience on the farm, related to the topic. Are you applying solutions or best practices on the topic? Are you facing any specific challenges? If you have another profile, for example if you are a researcher or advisor, you should highlight how your work or experience supports practitioners in the field, or how your work is relevant for gaining practical experience on the topic.
• Involvement in innovative projects: Are you involved in innovative projects related to the topic? Are you facing any specific challenges?

Balacing criteria

The group selected to participate in the Summer School will be based on the selection criteria, but also taking into account a balance in the areas of expertise, professional profile, geographical and gender balance.

Event format

• Keynote lectures by experts in the field
• Brainstorming sessions
• Field visits to local farms

Click here for a detailed overview of the program.

Speakers

António Cordeiro (INIAV) - Mediterranean agricultural systems

Gabriela Cruz and Ana Paiva Brandão (APOSOLO)

Gottlieb Basch (University of Évora) - Conservation agriculture

Graça Pereira (INIAV) - Grain legumes

José Potes (Farmer) - Mediterranean Agro-Silvo-Pastoral Systems - field visit

Luis Alcino Conceição - Visit to farms and experimental plots - field visit

Marta Barradas (SONAE MC) - Agroecology program - A retailer's view

Paula Scotti and José Semedo (INIAV) - Ecophysiological tools for Agroecology

Rita Costa (INIAV) - Winter cereals

Teresa Carita and Nuno Simões (INIAV) - Forage and pastures species

Víctor Rolo Romero (Universidad de Extremadura) - Nature-Based Solutions for a Changing Climate: The potential of agroecology

Target applicants

This Summer School is mostly directed to researchers, farmers, agriculture consultants, ecologists, policy makers and related positions. Maximum 24 applicants will be selected.

Application procedure

Candidates need to complete the online application form, in English, and submit by the 28^th of March 2026 18:00 CET.

Applicants will be informed whether or not they have been selected before the 3^rd of April 2026. All selected applicants will need to confirm their attendance at the Summer school within one week of receiving the selection message. If they fail to do so, they may be replaced.

Organisation of travel and accomodation

The host institution (INIAV) will cover all expenses concerning the accommodation in a Hotel in Elvas (3 nights, from April 26^th until 29^th), food (breakfast, lunch and dinner on April the 27^th and 28^th and breakfast and lunch on April 29^th), as well as transport from Lisbon-Elvas-Lisbon and during the visits. The host will not cover the travel from your local address to and from Lisbon, nor it will cover extra nights in Lisbon, but we will contact successful applicants to assist with suitable travel arrangement to and from the venue, if needed.

Terms of agreement

By submitting an application, the applicant agrees to the following and confirms that:

• The applicant can easily express him/herself in English (as this will be the working language in meetings, documents and in all means of communication) in both oral and written form;
• The applicant is willing and able to share information, knowledge and experience and to contribute actively to the Summer School;
• Attendance at the meeting: in case of a nomination, the applicant is willing and available to travel
• Availability: in case of nomination, the participant must be available to take part in the three-day summer school programme, if for any reason she/he is unable to take part, the nominated participant must inform the organising team as soon as possible, to allow the selection of another participant to replace them.
• Transparency: in case of a nomination, the applicant agrees to publish their name along with their professional capacity (e.g. advisor, scientist, etc.), country of residence and email address on the AGROECOLOGY website.

For more information, please contact the organising commitee:

• José Matos: jose.matos@iniav.pt
• Carla Moita Brites: carla.brites@iniav.pt

Do not submit your questions via the general contact form available on the website.