The project IntercropVALUES aims to exploit the benefits of intercropping to design and manage productive, diversified, resilient, profitable, and environmentally friendly cropping systems that are acceptable to farmers and actors across the agri-food chain. To achieve this ambitious goal, the involvement of all stakeholders in the chain is crucial. More importantly, the principles and practical implementation of intercropping need to be communicated effectively to everyone involved.
That is why IntercropVALUES partner, Wageningen University & Research (WUR), held a week-long training course titled “Mixed Cropping as a Means to Sustainable Agriculture: Pros, Cons, and Solutions.” The course, aimed at Master’s and PhD students, as well as post-doctorate fellows, focused on how intercropping can enhance agricultural productivity, boost resource-use efficiency, and improve resilience to environmental stresses.
Intercropping is viewed as a potential game-changer for diversifying agriculture and addressing the pressing challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change. As these environmental threats continue to mount, intercropping could play an important role in strengthening the resilience of cropping systems, ensuring food security, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.
The course focused on how intercropping can promote more sustainable agriculture. The core message was that diverse crop systems have the potential to enhance overall productivity while using resources—such as water, nutrients, and land—more efficiently. By reducing the impact of abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) stress factors, intercropping offers a pathway to more resilient farming systems capable of adapting to a changing climate.
Course Structure
The training program was designed to ensure an engaging, hands-on learning experience. Each day combined morning lectures with interactive group work in the afternoon.
The course kicked off with an introductory session followed by a poster carousel, where participants showcased their research and introduced themselves. This networking activity allowed participants to exchange knowledge and understand each other’s backgrounds, setting the stage for productive collaboration throughout the week.
Every morning, 2–3 expert-led lectures were delivered on a variety of topics, followed by an in-depth discussion where participants were encouraged to challenge the speakers. The discussions enabled participants to ask questions, debate ideas, and dive deeper into the research.
In the afternoons, participants formed small working groups to apply their new knowledge to real-world intercropping scenarios. These sessions allowed participants to collaborate, explore solutions, and work on practical applications of the concepts introduced during the lectures. On the final day, each group presented their work, offering innovative solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in intercropping.
Building Towards a More Sustainable Future
As the course drew to a close, participants left with a comprehensive understanding of how intercropping can contribute to a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future. The lectures, group discussions, and hands-on activities provided them with the tools and knowledge to implement intercropping in their research or farming practices.
Wageningen University’s course goes beyond simply transferring knowledge—it fosters collaboration, innovation, and the practical application of intercropping principles. As the agricultural sector faces increasing environmental challenges, the insights gained from this course will play a crucial role in shaping more sustainable, resilient cropping systems for the future.