The COLiBRI consortium successfully launched the development of the European Plant Breeding Research and Innovation (R&I) Roadmap and Implementation Plan during a dedicated workshop held as part of the project's kick-off meeting in Berlin, Germany on 9 July 2026. The workshop brought together partners to explore how plant breeding research and innovation can contribute to Europe's current and future policy priorities.
Designed as the starting point of the roadmap process, the workshop invited participants to reflect on the role of plant breeding R&I in addressing major societal and policy challenges. Discussions focused on both the current policy landscape and longer-term perspectives towards 2050, helping participants consider how plant breeding innovation can support ambitions related to climate resilience, food security, sustainability, competitiveness, biotechnology, and research capacity.
Through a series of interactive group discussions, participants examined relevant policy objectives, explored potential contributions of plant breeding R&I, identified future support needs, and reflected on how these could help shape the roadmap's vision and structure. The workshop format encouraged the exchange of perspectives and expertise from across the consortium.
The workshop provided valuable insights into where plant breeding R&I can contribute to Europe's future objectives and highlighted topics that will require further exploration throughout the project. The outputs of the workshop represent an important first step in the roadmap development process. They will now be further analysed, discussed, and validated with stakeholders from across the European crop breeding community. Future activities will build on this foundation through additional consultations and exchanges, helping to refine the roadmap vision, develop its key pillars, and support the preparation of the implementation plan.
By bringing together diverse expertise and perspectives at an early stage, the workshop established a strong foundation for developing the European Plant Breeding Research and Innovation Roadmap and Implementation Plan. COLiBRI's commitment to fostering dialogue across the European crop breeding community and engaging a broad range of stakeholders will remain at the core of the next phases of this work. As the project progresses, the outcomes of this first workshop will help shape discussions on how plant breeding research and innovation can contribute to Europe's future ambitions and strengthen collaboration across the European crop breeding landscape.
Take a look at the workshop highlights on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
Stay up-to-date with the developments in COLiBRI via the project website and social media: Linktree.