This year’s event is organized by AREFLH and VBT (the Federation of Belgian Horticultural Cooperatives). It is the second time that Belgium hosts the congress since its launch in 2008. The country is one of Europe’s main pear producers, with production concentrated in Flanders. The Conference variety dominates the market, prized for its shelf life and export potential. Belgium produces around 350,000 tonnes of pears annually, much of which is exported, mainly to neighboring countries and third markets such as China and Brazil.
The congress will focus on two main areas
The first day, June 25, will feature a series of conferences and strategic roundtables. Discussions will begin with a review of the last campaign in France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, and Italy. Forecasts for the upcoming season will follow, along with expert presentations on consumption trends, plant health challenges, and innovations in marketing, post-harvest research, and digital orchard technology.
Highlights include a talk on commercial strategies, a presentation from the Eufrin working group on connected orchards, and the latest advances in storage, post-harvest treatments, and pest & disease control.
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On the second day, June 26, a series of technical visits will round out the programme, offering insight into Belgian growing practices.
INTERPERA 2025 promises to be a must-attend event at the crossroads of technical knowledge, field realities, and environmental and economic issues.
The full programme is available at www.interpera.org and registration is now open.
