EUFRIN (European Fruit Research Institutes Network, www.eufrin.eu) is an informal, voluntary organisation of European university departments and research institutes specialising in fruit research, development, and knowledge transfer in the temperate climate zone. Latvia has been involved in this network for more than two decades and is currently represented by the Institute of Horticulture’s leading researchers Edīte Kaufmane and Gunārs Lācis.

This year’s meeting took place at the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) in Jelgava, bringing together 23 leading scientists from 15 European countries. Participants shared insights on the fruit-growing sector in their respective countries and discussed key challenges, research priorities, methodologies, and opportunities for cooperation.

On the second day, the guests visited the Institute of Horticulture in Dobele, where they were introduced to the laboratories and experimental orchards.

EUFRIN’s activities are organised through several thematic working groups, whose leaders presented an overview of the past year’s achievements and opportunities for participation. The researchers of the Institute of Horticulture have been active members of these working groups and see potential for expanding their involvement further.

The event highlighted the important role of Latvian fruit scientists in the international research community, while also fostering new ideas and collaborative initiatives.