INBO and ILVO strengthen their partnership
On Tuesday 6 May, INBO and ILVO (Institute for Agricultural, Fisheries and Food Research) signed a Memorandum of Understanding laying the foundations for structural and enhanced cooperation. This took place in the presence of Jo Brouns, Flemish Minister for the Environment and Agriculture, at a symbolic location, the Herpendalvallei nature and agricultural farm in Bierbeek near Leuven.
The cooperation agreement is in line with the shared conviction of both Flemish scientific institutions that there are many win-win situations to be achieved if agricultural and nature challenges are tackled together and mutual trust is built up. During the press conference, for example, the importance of pollinators, and more specifically moths, in increasing the quality and productivity of certain fruit and vegetable crops, such as strawberries, was highlighted.
INBO and ILVO are already working together on projects such as Monitoring Biodiversity in Agricultural Areas. The collaboration will be further scaled up through joint project development, active knowledge exchange and sharing (e.g. study days) and optimal use of research infrastructure.
Koen Van Muylem, Hilde Eggermont
