Paolo Annicchiarico, researcher at CREA (Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’Analisi dell’Economia Agraria — Council for Agricultural Research and Economics), delivered two invited speeches at major international conferences, both of which drew in part on results from the BELIS project relating to lucerne genomic selection for drought tolerance. CREA is Italy’s foremost research organisation dedicated to the agri-food sector, employing a multidisciplinary approach that encompasses agricultural crops, livestock, fishery, forestry, agro-industry, food science, and socio-economics. As an Italian national public institution with 47 research stations spread throughout the country, CREA focuses on both theoretical and applied research, including public plant breeding, for the agri-food and forestry sector. Within BELIS, CREA contributes expertise in lucerne (Medicago sativa) breeding, with a particular focus on developing genomic selection models to improve drought tolerance and forage yield — a priority for the sustainability of crop-livestock systems in southern Europe under a changing climate.
World Alfalfa Congress — Reims, France (3–6 November 2025)
The speech titled «Breeding alfalfa for adaptation to the changing climate» and authored by P. Annicchiarico, N. Nazzicari, M. Laouar, N. Franguelli, and L. Pecetti was presented at the 4th World Alfalfa Congress, held in Reims and Châlons-en-Champagne, France, from 3 to 6 November 2025. Organised by the Inter-union Commission of European Dehydrators (CIDE), the event brought together scientists, experts, and professionals from around the world to share experiences and discuss future challenges in the sector. It was the first edition of the World Alfalfa Congress to be held in Europe. The overarching theme of the congress was «Alfalfa to return to planetary limits», addressing boundaries relevant to alfalfa-based production systems and the overall economic viability for farmers and markets.
European Grassland Federation General Meeting — Évora, Portugal (12–16 April 2026)
The keynote speech titled «Grass and legume breeding matching the future needs of European grassland farming» authored by P. Annicchiarico, P. Barre, and O.A. Rognli was delivered at the 31st General Meeting of the European Grassland Federation (EGF), held in Évora, Portugal, from 12 to 16 April 2026. The meeting focused on the theme «Challenges and Innovations for Grasslands Resilience», providing a platform for knowledge exchange and innovation bringing together perspectives from research, practice, and policy. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Évora offered a setting combining history, culture, and innovation for this international scientific meeting.
