Fields of Innovation 2026 connects 900 global agricultural professionals
Fields of Innovation 2026 connects 900 global agricultural professionals with vegetable genetics, biologicals, and future industry talent to explore this year's core themes: ‘Grow beyond the ordinary’, ‘Maximise every Acre’, and ‘Shield your Yield’.
ENKHUIZEN, THE NETHERLANDS - Close to 900 professional growers, processors, and retail industry leaders from more than 50 countries gathered in Grootebroek, the Netherlands, for Fields of Innovation 2026. Under excellent weather conditions, attendees explored over 600 vegetable varieties in open-field demonstration plots and exhibition areas. The event delivered an engaging experience focused on networking, international connections, and discussions around vegetable innovation.
Reducing the risk of yield loss remains the highest priority for growers. To help growers ‘Maximise every Acre’, Syngenta Vegetable Seeds presented its second-generation clubroot-resistant brassicas, which covers Pb:2 in addition to Pb: 0, 1 and 3. Alongside the field plots, experts showcased Syngenta’s first onion with High Resistance to Downey Mildew, drawing significant attention and showing that strong genetic resistance is essential for securing harvests against mounting disease pressure.
"“Growers from around the world come to see our innovations in action,” said Girish Khanna, Customer Experience Lead. “Seeing our second-generation clubroot resistance in the soil and learning about the protective genetics of our new onion shows how we help reduce yield-loss risk. The strong interest this week indicates the industry’s need for these innovations.”
Syngenta Seedcare presented the latest developments in seed treatment solutions. Visitors showed keen interest in its portfolio, including emerging biocontrols and the Epivio Energy biostimulant seed treatment for onions and spinach. Field demonstrations also showcased Talete, Syngenta’s biostimulant engineered to optimise water use efficiency, illustrating how it can help growers maintain crop productivity and resilience during periods of water scarcity.
“Real-world examples and physical demonstrations provide growers with a clear understanding of how these solutions integrate into existing production programs,” said Ruud Roeven, Seedcare Commercial and Portfolio Lead. “By highlighting improvements in early root development and abiotic stress tolerance, we demonstrate how these solutions help growers ‘Shield their Yield’.”
The event also hosted the third edition of the "Grow and Make Impact" program, welcoming 250 ambitious students, job seekers, and young professionals. Participants received an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at how technology, science, and nature merge to shape the future of food production.
"When you bring 250 ambitious people into this environment, you see exactly where agriculture is heading," said Barry Koopman, Talent Partner. "The questions they asked and the curiosity they showed about our high-tech landscape show that the future of our industry is in very capable hands."
