Information Day on Sustainable Silage Production with Field Visit in Tartu
On Friday, 12 September 2025, an information day on sustainable silage production will take place at the Estonian University of Life Sciences in Tartu and at the Rõhu Experimental Station. Organised as part of the EU Cohesion Policy Interreg Central Baltic co-funded cross-border project Sustainable Silage, the event will showcase the latest research on maize and grass silage production—from environmentally friendly fertilisation methods for maize to innovative grassland seed mixtures developed under new principles. A newly completed Silage Production Handbook will also be introduced.
Sustainable Silage has been appointed as an Operation of Strategic Importance by the Interreg Central Baltic Programme. This means that the project provides a significant contribution to the achievement of the objectives of this Interreg Programme by raising awareness of the EU’s contribution to agriculture and rural development, as well as highlighting the cross-cutting nature of the silage production, where cooperation between countries is beneficial for finding innovative solutions to common challenges
The event’s programme brings together farmers, researchers, agricultural machinery dealers, and sector specialists. The day will feature a seminar, visits to experimental fields, and presentations of the latest agricultural technology, including live demonstrations of an agricultural robot and drone. Participants will also see new slurry injection equipment, a grassland subsoiler, a grassland overseeder, a silage additive dispenser, and more.
“The Sustainable Silage project is a good example of how science-based solutions and international cooperation can strengthen both agricultural competitiveness and environmentally friendly production,” said Silja Lehtpuu, Head of International Projects at the Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce. “The aim of the information day is to provide farmers with new knowledge from both Estonia and neighbouring countries that they can apply to enhance their fodder base.”
“The Sustainable Silage project shows the true European added value: by uniting farmers, researchers, and advisors across borders, European Union helps to turn shared challenges into practical solutions that protect the Baltic Sea, strengthen farm competitiveness, and support the EU’s Green Deal goals.” SƗawomir Tokarski, Director of European Territorial Cooperation, Macro-regions, Interreg and Programmes Implementation at DG REGIO, European Commission
Main activities of the day:
● Seminar on sustainable silage production
● Field visits at Rõhu Experimental Station (maize fertilization trial on a lysimeter field, grassland mixture trials, grain maize, etc.)
● Presentation of the new silage production handbook
● Demonstrations of agricultural machinery
Representatives from the Interreg Central Baltic Programme and the European Commission will also take part in the event.
A photographer and videographer will be present at the event; interviews with organisers and experts will be possible.
More information:
English: Sustainable Silage seminar and field day (OSI event) - Central Baltic
About the project:
The information day is part of the international project Sustainable Silage, which aims to enhance cross-border cooperation and promote sustainable solutions in the Baltic Sea region. The project focuses on the efficiency and environmental sustainability of silage production, providing farmers with research-based knowledge and practical tools to improve fodder quality while reducing environmental impact.
With a total budget of €2.1 million (of which €1.67 million is EU co-financed through the Interreg Central Baltic Programme 2021–2027), this is the first joint initiative of its kind in the region, uniting farmers and researchers from Estonia, Finland, and Latvia under the leadership of the Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce.
By improving silage practices and reducing nutrient runoff, the project Sustainable Silage supports the EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy and the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, promoting cleaner water, healthier ecosystems, and sustainable farming.
Sustainable Silage proves that European collaboration works—greener farming is already happening thanks to EU support.
Contact:
Liilit Kirss
Head of Communications
Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce
+372 58 448 101
liilit.kirss@epkk.ee