22nd EGF Symposium 2023

EGF2023
Photo by LAMMC (Lithuania)

“The future role of ley-farming in cropping systems”

The 22nd EGF Symposium 2023 was dedicated to ley-farming. Leys are substantial elements in arable cropping systems as they provide multiple and diverse agroecosystem services. In stockless farming systems the role of leys for improving the sustainability of cropping systems is essential regardless of farming system (conventional, integrated, organic, conservation, carbon, climate-smart, or regenerative).

The Scientific Programme was divided into three main sessions:

  • Ecoefficiency of leys in farming systems
  • Biodiversity and other ecosystem services
  • Multi-species swards and intercrops for crop rotations benefits.

The research community shared and discussed new knowledge, identified emerging issues and offered innovative solutions to explore the potential economic and environmental benefits of ley-farming in the short and long term in the face of climate variability, resilient agroecosystems and to improve our understanding of the role of ley-farming in cropping and farming systems.
The 22nd EGF Symposium 2023 provided novel and most valuable insights for grassland science and stimulated fruitful discussions and networking.

EGF2023 – a great success
The 22nd EGF Symposium 2023 was a great success, scientifically, technically, and socially. The conference took place 12-14 June 2023 at the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania in Vilnius was arranged by the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC) on behalf of the Lithuanian Grassland Society. The important theme “The future role of ley-farming in cropping systems” attracted more than 100 delegates from 24 different countries.
The European Grassland Federation EGF congratulates and thanks Dr Lina Šarūnaitė (chair of the organising committee) and Dr Žydrė Kadžiulienė (chair of the scientific committee) and all their colleagues who were involved in the organisation of the 22nd EGF Symposium 2023 as well as the important generous sponsors and supporters.

Outcome of the conference
After the most interesting sessions and exciting tours, the participants in EGF2023 will retain excellent proceedings and pleasant thoughts and impressions of Lithuania – and both the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC) and the Lithuanian Grassland Society. 

  • The proceedings of the 22nd EGF Symposium 2023 (Grassland Science in Europe, vol. 28) can be downloaded for free from here.
  • A synthesis of the 22nd EGF Symposium 2023 by Prof. Dr Andreas Lüscher and Dr Matthias Suter (Switzerland) can be downloaded from here.
  • A video of a panel discussion on “Ley-farming contribution to more sustainable agriculture: aspirations or reality?” is available here.