European Rural Development Network

#📢Abstract submission is now open – XXII ERDN Conference 2026!

We are pleased to invite you to the international scientific conference: “Resilient rural areas and sustainable food systems: governance, policy frameworks and structural challenges”

📆When: 29 September – 1 October 2026.
🗺Where: Mitrovica, Kosovo.

📌Important Deadlines:
Abstract submission: 15 June 2026.
Registration: Starts 1 June 2026 – 31 August 2026

No conference fee – participants cover travel and accommodation only.

Full details, registration form, abstract template and practical information are available here:
https://erdn.eu/conference-22erdn2026/

🌱⚡ From Biomass to Bioenergy: What We Learned at thERBN T&D Day organized by ERDN

Yesterday’s Therbn EU Project – Training & Demonstration Day brought together experts from advisory services, business, NGO and agricultural practice to explore how innovative technologies are transforming the European bioeconomy — from smarter biomass use to advanced renewable energy solutions.

The day began at the Poznań University of Life Sciences with an introduction to the thERBN project, whose mission is to promote innovative solutions in the field of sustainable bioeconomy within a circular model. This set the stage for a series of hands‑on demonstrations and knowledge‑sharing sessions.

Key highlights included:
▶️ a film and podcast showcasing the POWER MAIZE corn cob separator,
▶️an in‑depth technical and economic presentation of the technology by Dr. Dawid Wojcieszak (Katedra Inżynierii Biosystemów)
▶️an overview of the thERBN digital platform as a modern tool for knowledge transfer (Małgorzata Wydra, Instytut Uprawy Nawożenia i Gleboznawstwa - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy),
▶️a presentation of the VISION4FOOD project EU (Agnieszka Kurdyś-Kujawska)
▶️open discussion and networking over coffee.

The transition from biomass to bioenergy became especially tangible during the second part of the event at the Przybroda Biogas Plant, where Prof. Jacek Dach presented an installation for renewable energy production and storage — a strong example of Polish engineering and a practical response to local energy needs.

The event reinforced the importance of collaboration between advisory services and practice, showcasing technologies that genuinely support the development of a resilient and innovative European bioeconomy.

Thank you to all participants for your engagement, inspiring conversations, and for strengthening the thERBN collaboration network.

Sławomir Sioma, Kasia Gizińska & ERDN Team ☘️