Agroecology Summit

Wednesday, December 2, 2026

An Event at the Crossroads of Research and Field Experience 

Farming in a changing world: what are the solutions? 

 

Today, the agricultural sector is facing major challenges: 

  • A shortage of new farmers: for every three farmers retiring, only one young farmer takes over.* 
  • Achieving financial sustainability: 22% of French farmers live below the poverty line, compared with 14% of the general population.** 
  • Remaining competitive in a global market: 71% of fruit consumed in France and 28% of vegetables are imported.*** 
  • Increasing climate pressures: heatwaves, droughts, insufficient winter chill, frost and flooding. 

To address these challenges, the Carbouey Agroecology Association has organised an annual Agroecology Summit since 2023 to showcase practical agroecological solutions. On 2 December 2026, the Summit will exceptionally take place as part of Vinitech-SIFEL, the leading international trade fair dedicated to viticulture, fruit growing and vegetable production, welcoming 40,000 professionals. 

Sources: 
*French Chamber of Agriculture (2024) 
**MSA (Mutualité Sociale Agricole) 
***INRAE 

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The future of agriculture will be shaped in our fields

On Wednesday, 2 December, leading French scientists, researchers and agricultural experts will come together for 20 conferences and panel discussions dedicated to agroecology, addressing questions such as: 

  • What is agroecology in practical terms? 
  • Which best practices work in different farming contexts? 
  • How can agroecology improve resilience to climate change? 
  • How can farmers successfully transition while maintaining financial viability? 

The Summit has one ambition: to demonstrate that another way of farming already exists—one that is practical, achievable and beneficial for winegrowers, vegetable growers and fruit producers alike. 

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Where science meets practical experience

Scientists, researchers and field practitioners from across France will gather in Bordeaux to share their expertise and experience. 

From major scientific, agricultural and climate issues to practical applications in viticulture, market gardening and fruit production, the Summit offers a unique opportunity to learn from recognised specialists. 

Featured speakers:

  • Biologist and internationally recognised expert in fungi and symbiosis, Marc-André Selosse is Professor at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris. A prolific science communicator, he regularly contributes to French television and France Inter radio. 

  • Agroclimatologist and author of Storms on Climate, Serge Zaka is passionate about storm science and climate education. He co-founded the association Infoclimat and is widely recognised for making climate science accessible. 

  • Research Director in agroecology, soil ecology and soil ecotoxicology at INRAE, Céline Pélosi specialises in earthworms and has repeatedly highlighted the impact of pesticides on soil biodiversity. 

  • Soil scientist, cartographer and Doctor of Pedology, Céline Collin-Bellier is the former President of the French Association for Soil Studies (AFES). She combines research, education and scientific outreach, while also serving as a court-appointed expert. 

  • A leading expert in soil ecology, Lionel Ranjard is Research Director at the INRAE Agroecology Laboratory in Dijon. His work focuses on large-scale soil microbial diversity and the impact of agricultural practices, particularly within French vineyards through the EcoVitiSol project. 

  • Plant geneticist, Christian Huyghe served as Scientific Director for Agriculture at INRAE until 2025. He now chairs the European Research Alliance "Towards a European Agriculture without Chemical Pesticides" and the Scientific Council of the Farm Foundation. 

  • Agricultural engineer, Franciscan friar, former mycology researcher, botanist and ecologist, Hervé Coves now trains professionals in agroforestry development projects. His areas of expertise include plants, fungi and ecosystem interactions. 

Wednesday, December 2, 2026 – P2A 

20 conferences

Programme coming soon