As the only platform primarily aimed at European producer cooperatives, the ICOP (International Conference of Producer Organizations) has developed over the years into an indispensable event for numerous industry representatives. From November 19 to 21, the 19th edition of this well-established industry gathering will take place, this time in the Hungarian capital, Budapest. Due to the numerous and ever-present challenges currently facing producer organizations, there will be no shortage of topics for discussion and exchange this year, according to Wolfgang Braunstein, CEO of the main organizer, gfa consulting, and moderator of the three-day event.
Braunstein, who also provides advice and support to producer organizations throughout the rest of the year, expects around 150 participants from 15 different countries this year. Interest is particularly high in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Scandinavia, Ireland, Portugal, and the host country, Hungary. Central and Southeastern European countries, including Slovakia and Croatia, will also be more strongly represented than usual this year. "What continues to set the ICOP apart is not only the exciting supporting program but also the opportunity for informal exchange. You won't find that anywhere else, so we continue to have an important, unique selling point."
Traditionally, the respective host country is highlighted in the supporting program of the three-day event. This year, there will be several presentations on Hungarian fruit and vegetable cultivation. The excursions on the third and final day will also take place in the greater Budapest area. Depending on the area of interest, three options are available, Braunstein reveals: "In the vegetable sector, we will visit a greenhouse facility with illuminated tomato cultivation. Representatives of the mushroom industry will have the opportunity to visit the mushroom farm of Eurochamps, Hungary's largest mushroom producer. Finally, we are also offering a fruit tour, during which we will visit a modern tree nursery and a fruit producer organization."
The GFA consulting organizing team at last year's ICOP in Portugal
Cooperation more important than ever
According to Braunstein, European EOs continue to face numerous challenges, foremost among them climate change. "Extreme weather conditions primarily affect outdoor cultivation and, in particular, the quantity and planning security of the respective farms. This tends to make it more difficult to adhere to delivery schedules. This is compounded by the gradual reduction in the use of approved pesticides on many crops. Across the EU, we are seeing a lack of farm succession in many places, and the next generation is taking a different path. This creeping process is likely to continue in the coming years, leading to the disappearance of more and more medium-sized family farms, while the largely automated big farms remain."
The total number of European producer organizations has been stable to slightly declining for several years. Braunstein calls on the POs to act in an organized manner so that they can continue to jointly overcome the changing conditions and the challenges mentioned above in the future. "The cooperative model is perhaps more important today than ever before. It is also crucial to make joint rather than individual investments to achieve uniform development at the member level." The long-standing industry consultant goes on to explain that the future-oriented strengthening of the fruit and vegetable market organization with uniform framework conditions throughout Europe is also crucial for the continued existence of POs.
© Hugo Huijbers | FreshPlaza.comWolfgang Braunstein has been the driving force behind the successful conference for many years. Next year, the 20th anniversary edition will be celebrated in its home country of Austria. The exact venue will be announced after this year's ICOP.
Technology and digitalization shape the future of food production
Meanwhile, fruit and vegetable growing is also undergoing digital transformation, according to Braunstein, who points to the sponsors of this year's ICOP. "It's no coincidence that we have several sponsors from the field of AI and automation this year, including the Styrian companies Pessl-Instrument, activeIT, and FARM-ING. This shows us that these topics are becoming increasingly prominent in our sector as well," he continues.
For activeIT, a provider of specialized software solutions for producers, packing houses, greenhouses, importers, and ripening facilities, and a first-time sponsor of the ICOP, this commitment is a logical step: hardly any other event brings together so many European decision-makers from production, trade, associations, and politics while offering a highly relevant view of market trends, agricultural policy, digitalization, and innovation. "The challenges facing the European fruit and vegetable industry, from political conditions and market fluctuations to pressure for efficiency and quality, are becoming increasingly complex. Software solutions are playing an increasingly crucial role in this context: as a basis for planning, traceability, quality control, production control, and data-driven decisions." By participating in and supporting the ICOP, activeIT is underlining its role as a technology partner to the sector and at the same time strengthening its exchange with organizations that want to actively promote digitalization, the company explains.
© activeIT GmbH
Marco Klein (left) and Michael Kronheim represent activeIT GmbH at this year's ICOP.
activeIT will be represented on-site by CEO Marko Klein and Sales Manager Michael Kronheim, who will be available for discussions and professional exchanges. "The ICOP creates an environment in which the sector can openly and professionally discuss challenges and future issues. It is precisely this dialogue that is crucial for further developing competitiveness, quality, and sustainability in Europe. We are delighted to support this important congress and be part of this exchange," Marko Klein, CEO of activeIT GmbH, explains.
For more information:
Wolfgang Braunstein
gfa - consulting gmbh
Franz-Bruckner-Gasse 15
A-8160 Weiz
Tel: +43 (0) 3172 93 080
[email protected]
www.gfa.co.at
www.icop.at
www.active-it.at
