On 11-12 December 2024, the Southern Sweden Plant Breeding Meeting was held in Hässleholm, Sweden. Organised by the SLU Partnership Alnarp, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), the Swedish Board of Agriculture, HIR Skåne, and Household Associations in Skåne, Halland and Kalmar-Kronoberg-Blekinge, the conference is an important regional platform for the exchange of knowledge on plant production and plant protection. 

During the event, project partner Maj Rundlöf of Lund University, the lead of Work Package 4 (WP4) "Monitoring and Risk Indicators", presented considerations on the use of agri-environment schemes (AES), specifically flowering fields and borders, to mitigate pesticide-related risks for pollinators. The presentation was based on both previous research and ongoing work, including studies conducted within PollinERA, and was delivered to an audience of approximately 100 farmer advisors working directly with farmers in southern Sweden.  

While the meeting did not specifically focus on crop pollination, some audience members challenged the need for insect pollination in Swedish agricultural systems, opening floor for an open discussion. The PollinERA project was noted by participants as a relevant and valuable initiative. The work presented gained recognition from both the attending advisors and potentially the farmers, who support in implementing AES measures and pest management strategies.

By engaging directly with a key advisory audience, the presentation contributed to increased awareness and recognition of PollinERA’s ongoing research.