Over two intensive days in mid-June, experts from across the Nordic and Baltic regions gathered for the second NTN Roadshow event. The focus was on crop phenotyping, field trials, and precision agriculture-technologies expected to play a crucial role in the future of food production.
The event, which took place on June 11th and 12th, brought together a total of 23 participants representing more than 14 different organizations from four countries in the Nordic–Baltic region. The attendees included a broad mix of researchers, breeders, field staff, infrastructure managers, private companies, and data specialists.
Innovative Technology on the Agenda
The first stop was NIBIO (Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research). Participants received an in-depth introduction to the Centre for Precision Agriculture alongside a range of ongoing research activities. The agenda featured presentations and demonstrations on drone technologies (UAVs), precision fertilizer application, spectroscopy for soil and crop monitoring, as well as long-term field experiments, potato irrigation, and berry production systems.
Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) also welcomed the participants. They were introduced to the Norwegian Plant Phenotyping Infrastructure (PheNo), field trial management systems, and drone-based phenotyping. In addition, research on drought tolerance screening and nitrogen-use efficiency was showcased. The program concluded with visits to several ongoing field experiments focusing on drought stress, waterlogging, wheat and oat research, and perennial ryegrass.
Testbeds Strengthen Regional Preparedness
Digital testbeds play a critical role in boosting the Nordic region’s capacity to develop its own technologies and production systems. By accelerating the innovation and validation of new solutions, they help reduce dependence on imported technology. This, in turn, contributes to greater resilience and competitiveness across the region.
Advanced sensor technology was, at the roadshow event, highlighted as a concrete example of how these innovations make a real difference; sensors can detect signs of plant stress long before they are visible to the human eye. This gives researchers a unique opportunity to understand how different crop varieties respond to drought and other environmental impacts, directly supporting the development of more sustainable and robust food systems.
Events like this roadshow serve as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. By bringing together researchers, companies, and other key players across national borders, they accelerate the development of new crop varieties – adapted to local conditions and ready to meet the challenges of climate change.
Join the Nordic Testbed Network Roadshow 2026 in Norway and explore how data are collected, managed and applied in modern field trials. Through presentations, site visits and dialogue with experts, participants will gain first-hand insight into Norwegian research infrastructures, plant phenotyping environments and practical approaches to field-based data collection.
We warmly invite you to an exciting network excursion that combines site visits with hands-on learning and knowledge exchange! Throughout the day, you’ll experience presentations, trial equipment, statistical methods, and software – all in practical application.