IIRB Congress 2026

The 80th International Institute of Sugar Beet Research (IIRB) Congress was held at Churchill College, University of Cambridge, from 6–9 July 2026, bringing together over 300 researchers, breeders and industry representatives to discuss the future of sugar beet production in a rapidly changing environment.

Hosted by BBRO and led by Prof Mark Stevens as IIRB President the congress addressed the theme of “Advancing Sugar Beet in a Dynamic Environment.”

The programme focused on helping the sugar beet sector respond to major challenges including:

• Climate change, drought and greenhouse gas emissions
• Sustainable crop nutrition and soil health
• Robotics, artificial intelligence and digital agriculture
• Weed resistance and future weed control strategies
• Virus yellows management
• Cercospora leaf spot and rhizomania resistance
• Emerging pests and diseases, particularly SBR/RTD and planthopper vectors

Both Dr Georgina Barratt and Dr Alistair Wright took to the stage to present to peers and colleagues.