On 11/12/2024, the Institute of Agriculture – Skopje organized a scientific conference INNOVATIONS IN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE – BRIDGING SCIENCE AND PRACTICE in the educational center M6 where we hosted a large number of domestic and international academic guests.
The event was opened by prof. Viktor Gjamovski, PhD who in his opening address emphasized that agriculture is the pillar of our economy and the lifeblood of our society. Yet, it is an industry under immense pressure. Climate variability, soil degradation, and water scarcity re reshaping the way we grow our food and manage our resources. For our farmers and stakeholders, these challenges are not theoretical; they are real, immediate, and deeply felt. Our role as an institute, and as a community of researchers and practitioners, is to provide solutions that are not only innovative but also practical and sustainable. Moreover, we must also ensure that these resources are used effectively, fostering collaboration between academic institutions, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. Together, we can create a resilient agricultural system that adapts to change and thrives in the face of adversity.
A welcoming address has prof. Biljana Angelova, PhD, Rector of the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje. She emphasized that it is vital to acknowledge that innovation does not exist in isolation. It flourishes when we create environments that encourage curiosity and creativity. Universities like ours must continue to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, empowering the next generation of thinkers and doers to confront global challenges with bold, fresh perspectives. This is the essence of bridging science and practice—ensuring that our discoveries serve as practical tools to uplift and transform our societies.
At the first plenary session, the following keynote speakers had their presentations:
- Prof. Pandi Zdruli, PhD (Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, Italy): “The EU mission soil deal for Europe and its impact in Western Balkan”
- Prof. Alicia Sancez Gorostiaga, PhD (Madrid Institute for Rural, Agrarian and Food Research and Development, Spain): “Microbial Innovations for Sustainable Plant Production and Resource Conservation”; and
- Prof. Florin Stanika, PhD (Faculty of Horticulture, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest): “Europe desertification: Solution for the future fruit growing industry”
The second plenary session included keynote lectures by:
- Prof. Necmi Beser, PhD (Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Engineering Faculty, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkiye): “Studies to improve herbicide-resistant bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) varieties at Trakya Region in Turkey”;
- Prof. Vesna Mrdalj, PhD (University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Agriculture, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina): “Overview of Agricultural Policies in Western Balkan Countries: Challenges, Opportunities and Perspectives in the Context of EU Integration and Sustainable Development”, and
- Prof. Tomas Maier, PhD (Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Economics and Management, Prague, Czech Republic): “The Czech Experience with the Common Agricultural Policy: Impacts on Farming and Emerging Challenges”
Within the framework of the conference, a large number of scientists shared their knowledge with over 60 poster presentations divided into 5 sections: Plant production and processing, Sustainable and precision agriculture, Plant protection, Climate change and natural resources management, and Rural development and agro-economy. The book of abstracts is available at the following link: https://zeminst.ukim.edu.mk/izdavacka-dejnost/
