Since 1927, the International Grassland Congress (IGC) has promoted the exchange of information on all aspects of natural and cultivated grasslands and forage crops for the benefit of humanity, including sustainable development, food production, and the conservation of biodiversity. Every three to five years, leading scientists, students, industry representatives, consultants, and producers from around the world come together to share their research findings and experiences.
But what exactly is a grassland landscape? Grassland landscapes cover 27% of the world’s land area, account for 70% of agricultural land, and are among the world’s most important ecosystems. They form a vital foundation for agriculture and livestock farming and also contribute to the livelihoods of more than 800 million people.
Next year, the IGC will celebrate its 100th anniversary and return to Leipzig—where it all began in 1927 with a small group of researchers—under the theme “100 Years of Grassland Research—Ways to the Future.” It has since grown into an event attracting more than 1,000 participants from 80 countries—the last five were held in Brazil, Ireland, China, Australia, and India, and the upcoming congresses are expected to take place in Kenya and the United States.
The three hosts of IGC 2027 are FAIRagro co-applicants ZALF, JKI, and Thünen; the event is funded by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Home Affairs (BMLEH).
If you’d like to learn more about IGC 2027, we highly recommend visiting this website.