On October 17, 2025, the annual Benelux Parliament conference took place in Remich, Luxembourg. The conference focused on technological innovation in the agriculture and viticulture sectors and was the final part of a trilogy on cross-border innovation, following earlier meetings in Groningen and Ostend. Five Senators from the Netherlands participated: Roel van Gurp (GroenLinks-PvdA), Pim van Ballekom (VVD), Alexander van Hattem (PVV), Ton van Kesteren (PVV), and Rik Janssen (SP). Twelve parliamentarians from the three Benelux countries were present.
Opening
Various experts from Luxembourgs agriculture and viticulture sectors spoke. Francine Closener, Chair of the Benelux Parliament, opened the conference with a call to keep the Benelux at the forefront of technological progress. She emphasized that food security, energy independence, and sustainable agriculture come together more than ever. Serge Fischer, Director of the Institut Viti-Vinicole, highlighted the historical ties between Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands, and pointed to the Benelux framework as a solid basis for cooperation on climate and environmental issues in agriculture and viticulture. In the afternoon, the Orchard viticulture project of Domaine L&R Kox was visited, focusing on biodiversity, agroecology, and agroforestry in viticulture.
Innovation as a driver for future-oriented agriculture
Anne Zangerlé, project manager for research and innovation projects at the Luxembourg Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture, outlined how the ministry uses the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) to strengthen the value chain, guide innovative projects, and support small-scale pilot projects. The emphasis is on sustainability, climate adaptation, and direct cooperation with producers.
In 2023, twelve innovative agricultural projects were supported in Luxembourg. Senator Van Hattem asked to what extent nitrogen is a topic of discussion in Luxembourg. According to Zangerlé, Luxembourg remains within European nitrate standards, but ammonia emissions are still 13% above the permitted threshold. Various measures, such as banning the spreading of certain products and improving fertilization techniques, aim to reduce these emissions.
Viticulture under pressure from drought and climate change
Marc Fiedler, agricultural engineer and head of the viticulture department at the Luxembourg wine institute IVV, presented the Dry Vineyard research project focused on adapting viticulture to drought, heat, and extreme weather. He discussed drought-resistant rootstocks, ground cover to prevent erosion, and innovative vine planting techniques. Research is underway on how solar energy (viti-PV) can be smartly integrated into vineyards. In response to a question from Senator Van Ballekom, he noted that waterlogging and fungal pressure are also major concerns.
Corine Kox, winemaker at Domaine L&R Kox, gave another example of agroecological innovation. Her Viti-Forst project combines grapevines in a vineyard with trees and hedges, as in the traditional vigne mariée system. This approach promotes biodiversity, soil health, and microclimate, aiming for a sustainable balance between production and nature. Senator Van Kesteren asked about practical support for innovative viticulture initiatives. Kox indicated that funds are available for conventional practices, but newer, experimental projects often find it harder to obtain (financial) support.
Robotics in vegetable cultivation
Jean-Claude Muller from Luxembourg winery Haff Muller-Lemmer presented his field robot developed to sow and remove weeds in vegetable cultivation. This innovative machine operates autonomously in the field, thanks to geofencing and navigation technology. The project demonstrates how digitization can contribute to labor relief and precision farming, although regulations and infrastructure remain challenges.
Political follow-up
During the discussion, the Senators questioned the experts about their experience with European regulations, innovation barriers, and cross-border cooperation. Van Ballekom, emphasizing that the Benelux Parliament advises the three governments on topics of common interest, asked whether there is sufficient support for ongoing projects or if regulations are an obstacle.
The speakers acknowledged that although innovation in the sector is encouraged, current regulations and application procedures are sometimes too slow or restrictive. They advocated for a system that responds more quickly and flexibly to innovative ideas, so these are not unnecessarily hindered by bureaucratic or formal obstacles. The conclusions of this conference will be processed into a recommendation to be discussed at the plenary session of the Benelux Parliament next month.
