On 9 January 2026, the Faculty of Horticulture at Mendel University in Brno hosted an expert seminar focused on pesticide-free production. The event took place in Lednice and was organized in cooperation with the Faculty of Horticulture MENDELU, Albert Česká republika, s.r.o., BAKKER, s.r.o., and Eurofins Food & Feed Testing Czech Republic s.r.o. The seminar brought together representatives of academia, growers, and commercial partners, creating a platform for the exchange of knowledge and practical experience.

The main objective of the seminar was to discuss the possibilities of producing crops without the use of pesticides and their application within the modern food supply chain. Experts addressed the reasons behind the growing demand for pesticide-free products, their economic and marketing potential, the impact of this approach on crop quality, as well as environmental benefits, including the support of biodiversity.

A significant part of the programme was dedicated to practical examples, covering technological solutions, data-driven approaches, and issues related to certification and quality control. The discussions demonstrated that pesticide-free production is not merely a trend driven by consumer expectations, but a long-term sustainable direction with clear relevance for both research and commercial practice.

A clear message emerged from the seminar: pesticide-free production is a realistic and meaningful pathway when it is built on close cooperation between research institutions, growers, and business partners, and supported by modern technologies and reliable data.

The Faculty of Horticulture at MENDELU has long been committed to promoting innovative and sustainable approaches in plant production and to fostering dialogue between experts from different fields. We would like to thank all speakers, partners, and participants for an inspiring and valuable meeting.