VI. ÖKO Expo Exhibition and Conference

VI. ÖKO Expo Exhibition and Conference

On 9–10 September 2025, the 6th edition of the ÖKO Expo Exhibition and Conference will take place in Debrecen, Hungary, bringing together key actors of the organic sector – farmers, researchers, experts, and all those interested in ecological farming.

The two-day programme will feature a wide range of activities, from professional presentations and interactive demonstrations to panel discussions, all focusing on solutions and technologies that support the everyday work of organic farmers and promote sustainability.

On 9 September (Tuesday), 10:30–16:30, a dedicated regenerative agriculture session will be organised within the framework of the EIT Food programme. For four years now, EIT Food has been supporting the spread of regenerative farming practices in Hungary. During this time, many farmers have joined trainings and consultancy activities and introduced regenerative methods into their farms. The session will showcase the experiences gathered so far, discuss future challenges, and highlight opportunities for landscape-level interventions. The programme will conclude with a roundtable discussion focused on practical implementation.

Participation in the session is free but required prior registration (now closed). For registered agricultural advisors, attendance counts as 2 credits.

On 10 September, the second day will be opened by a keynote speech from Dr. Dóra Drexler, Director of ÖMKi, on water-retention practices in organic cultivation. The programme will also include the ceremonial award of the Sárközy Péter Memorial Medal.

At the ÖMKi stand, visitors can engage with researchers on the latest projects, while outdoors, the PHITO mobile lab will present innovative digital technologies supporting sustainable farming.

Programme Highlights

Day 1 – 9 September

• Opening Ceremony with representatives of the University of Debrecen, Ministry of Agriculture, National Chamber of Agriculture and MAGOSZ.

• Tribute session in memory of Adolf G. Manninger.

• Keynote: Current opportunities and challenges for Hungarian organic farmers.

• Scientific session: From soil life to nutritious food – the “One Health” perspective with presentations on soil biology, nutrient management, organic food quality and microbiome research.

• Roundtable: The future of organic farming and soil-friendly practices.

• Field Demonstrations.

• EIT Food Regenerative Agriculture Session (10:30–16:30) featuring:

  • Experiences from the EIT Food programme in Hungary.

  • Climate history as a tool for adaptation.

  • Integrating livestock and crop production.

  • Farmer roundtable on applying regenerative principles.

Day 2 – 10 September

• Morning session: Water retention practices in organic farming, followed by the ceremonial Sárközy Péter Memorial Award.

• Presentations and discussions on:

  • Bio-intensive vegetable farming and soil regeneration.

  • Weed management in organic systems.

  • Profit pathways in organic value chains.

  • Best practices from organic and regenerative farmers.

• Agricultural Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) session on digitalisation and data-driven farming.

• Vocational training roundtable: Dual education in agriculture – experiences, challenges, and future outlook.

• Field Demonstrations and Closing Ceremony with exhibitor awards.

Participation

Participation is free but requires registration. The event offers professional networking opportunities, hands-on demonstrations, and knowledge exchange on organic and regenerative farming, supported by leading Hungarian and European organisations.

👉 More details: www.okoexpo.info

📍 Venue: University of Debrecen Innovation Centre, 4032 Debrecen, Vezér utca 37

The EIT Food regenerative agriculture session is organised with the support of EIT Food.