Montpellier Global Days 2026 will focus on the role of quality labels in sustainable food systems, more than 90 years after the creation of the first French appellations of origin. The event will explore how quality labels contribute to terroir protection, product traceability, nutritional quality, local know-how and international cooperation. After an opening evening with local producers and public exchanges, the scientific conference will bring together researchers, institutions, international partners and territorial actors to discuss regulation, nutrition and health, sustainable food systems, climate change, biodiversity loss and territorial dynamics, with dedicated sessions on wine, shellfish farming, rice and coffee.

International Commission of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (CIGR) and European Society of Agricultural Engineers (EurAgEng)

The Joint CIGR–EurAgEng World Congress 2026 is a major international forum bringing together researchers, engineers, professionals and students to exchange advances and innovations in agricultural and biosystems engineering. The scientific programme spans precision agriculture, automation and robotics, digitalisation, energy and bioresources, soil and water engineering, post-harvest technologies and climate-resilient systems, offering strong relevance for Agricultural Research for Development and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The annual event of the Cecchini Institute at the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences BFH-HAFL focuses on what constitutes decent work in rangeland food systems. Framed within the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists and the International Year of the Woman Farmer, the event explores key dimensions such as workplace safety, human-centred technology, skills development, and equity. The programme includes a keynote, panel discussion, and interactive workshops, followed by a networking apero. The event is free and open to a broad audience.

The International Horticultural Congress 2026 (IHC2026) will bring together scientists, practitioners, and industry actors from across the horticultural sector to explore the theme “Exploring the Diversity of Horticulture”.

Organised by the International Society for Horticultural Science in collaboration with the Japanese Society for Horticultural Science, the congress provides a global platform for interdisciplinary exchange spanning natural sciences, social sciences, and technological innovation.

The programme will cover a wide range of topics, including crop science, genetics, robotics, sustainable production systems, and global value chains. It aims to connect research with practice, from small-scale local production systems to large-scale international supply chains.

IHC2026 offers a key opportunity for dialogue and knowledge exchange on the role of horticulture in sustainable food systems, human health, and economic development worldwide.

The 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification will bring together governments, scientists, civil society, Indigenous Peoples, pastoralists, youth and private sector actors to address the growing challenges of desertification, land degradation and drought. Under the theme “Restoring Land. Restoring Hope.”, the conference will focus on sustainable land management, drought resilience, rangeland restoration, food systems, soil health and the land–water nexus. Held during the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026, COP17 will place particular emphasis on dryland ecosystems and pastoral livelihoods, while promoting investment-oriented solutions and science–policy collaboration to strengthen resilience and sustainable development.