We present an initiative organised by researchers from different disciplines aimed at stimulating a discussion on agricultural management in periurban areas. It originated from crossing perspectives of landscape agronomy and regional planning. Analysing the changes in periurban areas, we both observed needs about taking into account agricultural issues in planning operations and lacks of knowledge about how to fulfil it. During the seminar we discussed the resulting challenges for action research initiatives. The paper describes scientific considerations that lead us to set up such a seminar, the synergies between different points of view and the methodological basis for a future educational programme.