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Shaping Europe’s trade, competitiveness and sustainable food future

09:30 - 09:45
PLENARY: Europe’s agrifood sector: Balancing competitiveness, sustainability and trust

As Europe navigates new trade agreements, including the Mercosur deal, and addresses ongoing challenges in the food supply chain, questions arise over market access, tariffs, and fair competition for European producers. At the same time, ensuring sustainability, resilience, and consumer trust in European food remains a priority. This plenary will open the Agrifood Policy Conference with an in-depth look at the EU’s agrifood strategy for the years ahead, exploring how policymakers, industry, farmers, and other stakeholders can work together to strengthen competitiveness, safeguard high standards, and promote a sustainable and resilient agrifood sector.


CONFIRMED KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Christophe Hansen, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food


09:45 - 10:30
PANEL 1: Beyond Mercosur - Reconnecting EU regulation and trade negotiations

Given the shift in global trade dynamics, the EU faces growing pressure to balance open markets with industrial competitiveness and sustainability. Over the past year, this pressure has resulted in revised regulations such as CBAM and the deforestation law. The Mercosur agreement also saw the approval of unprecedentedly robust safeguard clauses for EU farmers. These developments reflect the differing pace between the EU’s internal legislative process and its negotiations with third countries. Join this session to explore how the EU can shape fair, forward-looking trade partnerships while protecting its strategic interests at home and abroad.

Panellists:

Flavio Coturni, Head of Unit, Agriculture, food, sanitary & phytosanitary matters, DG AGRI, European Commission
Manon Aubry, MEP, Vice-Chair, INTA Committee, European Parliament

Further panellists to be announced soon.

Moderated by Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro


10:30 - 11:15
PANEL 2: Stability, competitiveness and sustainability in the EU agrifood sector

With discussions on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy ongoing, questions arise on how it can continue to support farmers, strengthen rural economies, and deliver on Europe’s environmental ambitions. With growing global competition and shifting market realities, how can the next CAP strike the right balance between stability, competitiveness, and sustainability? Join this session to debate the priorities and policy choices shaping European agriculture beyond 2027.

Panellists:

Elli Tsiforou, Secretary General, COPA-COGECA
Théo Paquet, Senior Policy Officer for Agriculture, European Environmental Bureau (EEB)

Further panellists to be announced soon.

Moderated by Angelo Di Mambro


11:15 - 11:45
COFFEE BREAK


11:45 - 12:30
PANEL 3: New perspectives in the food chain

Fairness and transparency in the agri-food supply chain are essential to ensure a sustainable and competitive farming sector in Europe. The Unfair Trading Practices (UTPs) Directive aims to protect farmers and small suppliers from abusive commercial behaviour. But how effective has it been so far? Join this session to assess progress, identify gaps in implementation, and discuss what more can be done to create a fairer, more balanced agrifood market in Europe.

Panellists:

Herbert Dorfmann MEP, Member, AGRI Committee, European Parliament
Stoyan Tchoukanov, President, NAT Section, EESC
Francesca Monteverdi, Policy Adviser, Trade Justice, OXFAM
Gonzalo Corrales Ciganda, Representative, Union de Pequenos Agricultores y Ganaderos (UPA)

Moderated by Maria Simon Arboleas


12:30 - 13:15
PANEL 4: The Omnibus Package – What are the implications for food safety?

As the EU reviews and updates its food and feed safety legislation through the Omnibus Package, food safety remains at the core of public trust and market stability. The package touches upon many policy areas, from pesticides’ authorisation to control at the borders. Join this session to discuss how the Omnibus Package could impact producers, regulators, and consumers, and what it means for maintaining Europe’s high food safety standards.

Panellists:

Klaus Berend, Director, Food safety, sustainability and innovation, DG SANTE, European Commission
Martin Dermine, Executive Director, PAN Europe
Alice O’Donovan, Secretary General, CELCAA

Further panellists to be announced soon.

Moderated by Alice Bergoënd