b'WorkshopsKEY FINDINGSBIOFILMS IN AGRICULTURE A workshop on biofilms in agriculture took placeThe objectives of the meeting were to:in Los Cocos, Crdoba, Argentina on October 24, 2022, through the joint efforts of NBIC and a teamBring together complementary academic / industrial of Argentine researchers. The event was organisedexpertise from these countries on exploitation of within the framework of the SAMIGE (Argentineanbiofilms in agriculture to identify key knowledgeSociety for General Microbiology) annual congressgaps and research challenges in this area of and received financial support from a BBSRC Globalagricultural impact.Partnering Award. Create future research collaborations on the useIn the agricultural sector, biofilms are utilised asof biofilms in crop production between the UKbiofertilisers, biostimulants, soil bioremediators, andand Argentina.biocontrol agents. Despite their potential benefits,Three priority areas for collaborative activity were there is still much to learn about the complexidentified through the discussions: interactions between biofilms and plants, and how to harness these interactions for enhanced plant growthUsing plant root biofilm composition as a sensor for and disease prevention. A deeper understandingsoil health and to optimise interventions.of biofilms in this context is essential for effectivelyBiofilms and soil health resilience in a changing managing and directing microbial communitiesenvironment. towards creating a sustainable environment. NBIC and Argentine researchers from academia and industryIntelligent seeds and innovative / automated large-have established a dialogue aimed at addressing thesescale monitoring systems.gaps and improving agricultural productivity through the integration of new technologies that can promoteFuture research collaborations between the two soil health whilst reducing environmental impact. countries in this area could have significant benefits for global agricultural innovation and the development of sustainable food systems. For the three identified priority areas, the early engagement of end-users (farmers) will be paramount to maximise technology adoption. Commitment from the governments and support from funding bodies in both countries will be essential for the establishment of robust research programmes and long-term successful collaborations between researchers, industry and end users.NBIC published a detailed report from the workshop, and have also produced a white paper, describing the discussions and recommending the identified priority areas for the UKArgentina collaboration, which has been submitted to CABI Agriculture and Bioscience Journal.33'