Macfrut 2025 is set to become a global hub for innovation in horticulture with the debut of the International Symposium on Biotechnological Tools in Horticulture. Taking place at the Rimini Expo Centre from 6–8 May during the 42nd edition of the international trade fair for the fruit and vegetable supply chain, the Symposium marks a significant milestone in the integration of cutting-edge biotechnology into the sector.
Sponsored by the International Society of Horticultural Science (ISHS), in collaboration with the Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences of the Marche Polytechnic University, the Symposium is coordinated by Silvia Sabbadini, Angela Ricci, Luca Capriotti, and Bruno Mezzetti. It will gather leading international experts to promote dialogue between plant biotechnology researchers and professionals in the production chain.
Over the course of three days, the event will bring together the world’s leading experts in the field and provide an opportunity for dialogue between plant biotechnology researchers and those involved in the production chain. Specifically, the Symposium will focus on topics related to the use of biotechnological tools in the fruit and vegetable sector: in vitro cultures, functional genomics studies and various ‘omics’ for plant genotyping/phenotyping, as well as new precision breeding technologies (genome editing and cisgenesis/intragenesis).
In addition to scientific and technical topics, the Symposium will address key issues such as the socio-economic impact of biotechnology, biosecurity, and public acceptance of its application in fruit and vegetable production.
According to the Symposium coordinators, Macfrut 2025 offers a unique opportunity to showcase progress made by academic and private research institutions, while fostering collaboration across disciplines. As global agriculture faces increasing challenges – particularly due to climate change – biotechnological tools are seen as vital for developing sustainable and safe production systems that reduce dependency on external inputs.
The goal, as emphasized by the coordinators, is to make crops more adaptable to stress factors like water scarcity and pathogens, while deepening our understanding of gene functions and plant metabolic processes.
The event will begin on Monday 5th May with a series of technical field visits to several companies in the Emilia-Romagna region. From Tuesday 6 to Thursday 8 May, the Symposium will take place at Macfrut (Rimini Expo Centre), where various sessions will be held in a dedicated exhibition area. The final event will take place on Friday 9 May at the Biotech School of the Marche Polytechnic University in Ancona.
To find out more information about:
ISHS – International Symposium on Biotechnological Tools in Horticulture
