Innovation stalls when practice cannot keep up
Labour shortages, water scarcity, rising demand and stricter requirements make progress in the Agrifood sector urgent. At the same time, the step from pilot set-up to broad application often remains too large. During Grüne Woche in Berlin, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by partners from the Netherlands, France and Germany. Among others, WUR, Fedecom and FME joined forces with INRAE, AXEMA, RobAgri, ATB Potsdam and the Agrotech Valley Forum. The aim is to create one clear route towards practice-ready solutions. By sharing knowledge, harmonising standards and organising real-life testing, we shorten the journey from lab to land and reduce risks for companies and users.
When is a solution ready to scale
Anyone who innovates wants confidence that a solution works, complies with regulations and can be scaled. This agreement addresses exactly that need. Joint protocols and shared test locations generate comparable data, make approval processes more predictable and strengthen business cases. Farmers and growers gain faster access to solutions that fit their crops and operations. Technology companies reduce development costs and shorten time to market.
Less input, less labour, better results
The collaboration focuses on autonomous technologies for high-value crops such as harvesting and pruning, on the safe deployment of AI in machines with clear agreements on safety and data, and on sustainable cropping systems with reduced inputs and smarter water use. By combining expertise, we can iterate faster and test directly under diverse European conditions. This accelerates learning and increases the likelihood that solutions fit everyday practice.
Not just another agreement, but a shared way forward
In 2026, working groups will start developing a joint roadmap with goals, outcomes and funding for the period from 2026 to 2030. Companies, researchers, certification bodies, farmers and policymakers will be involved so that requirements and solutions come together from the outset. Results will be shared through publications, demonstrations and trade fairs. This keeps the route from plan to application visible and verifiable.
What you need to do now to stay ahead
As the collaboration takes shape, the opportunity lies with companies and innovators to connect to what is being scaled at European level. This starts with preparing a pilot or field trial that can be applied in all three countries. By aligning with standardisation and data propositions, you ensure your innovation is ready for the safe use of AI. Sharing lessons from previous projects and linking to European funding helps move more quickly towards adoption and new market access, while keeping development risks manageable
Join in to turn separate initiatives into one movement
NXTGEN Hightech Agrifood connects the Dutch hub with partners in France and Germany. Together with WUR, Fedecom and FME, we broaden the network, bring parties together and help lower barriers. This creates stable progress for everyone aiming to improve and accelerate. If you want to get involved or learn more, contact the NXTGEN team.
The parties behind this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
Deze samenwerking is tot stand gekomen door de gezamenlijke inzet van partners uit drie landen.
This collaboration has been made possible through the joint commitment of partners from three countries.
From France, INRAE, represented by Claire Rogel-Gaillard, industry association AXEMA, represented by Laurent de Buyer, and innovation platform RobAgri, led by Christophe Aube, are parties to the agreement.
Germany is represented by the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy, with Barbara McKee-Sturm, and the Agrotech Valley Forum, chaired by Henning Müller.
The Netherlands is represented by Wageningen University & Research, with Sjoukje Heimovaara, Fedecom, represented by Caroline Bekkering, and FME, represented by Suzanne Verboon.
Together, these parties share responsibility for the collaboration and for the next steps towards concrete application in practice.