Events Calendar

Navigating the future of agriculture and food

WATCH THE RECORDING HERE

14:00 - 14:45
PLENARY: Advancing EU agriculture – Securing Europe’s food and farming future

The agriculture and food sector plays a central role in ensuring food security in Europe. Securing its future is essential to building resilient, sustainable and competitive systems that empower farmers and support rural areas. Amid growing economic pressures and environmental challenges, the EU is working to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the sector. Join this plenary to explore key challenges and innovative solutions that will drive long-term resilience and growth in the agriculture and food sector.

CONFIRMED KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Christophe Hansen, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food


14:45 - 15:30
PANEL: From label to table – Ensuring clear and reliable food information

Product labelling provides EU consumers with essential information about food and drinks to help them to make informed decisions. While the EU has established regulations to ensure food standards, stakeholders argue that inadequate monitoring and enforcement make compliance challenging. Join this session to discuss ways to improve the food and drink labelling system in Europe.

Panellists:
Paulo do Nascimento Cabral, Member, AGRI Committee, European Parliament
Christine Yung Hung, Professor, Agro-Food Marketing and Consumer Behaviour, Ghent University
Emma Calvert, Deputy Head of Food, BEUC

Moderated by Alice Bergoënd



15:30 - 16:05
COFFEE BREAK



16:05 - 16:50
PANEL: Advancing agriculture – Rethinking regulation for new technologies

New technologies such as new genomic techniques can play a vital role in boosting agriculture, supporting EU competitiveness, food security, and supporting farmers against economic and climate challenges. However, some stakeholders argue that innovation in agriculture is not fully integrated into EU legislation, and current regulation is not fit for purpose. Join this session to explore innovative techniques in agriculture and their implications for next generation farming.

Confirmed Panellists:
Irene Sacristán Sánchez, Head of Unit, Biotechnology, DG SANTE, European Commission
Jessica Polfjärd MEP, Member, ENVI Committee, European Parliament
Mercedes Campi, Agriculture Policy Analyst, OECD

Moderated by Maria Simon


16:50 - 17:35
PANEL: The future of EU agriculture - Competing in a changing global market

Ensuring a competitive EU agrifood sector is key to balancing economic growth, sustainability, and food security. Amid evolving regulations, market pressures, and climate challenges, how can the industry stay resilient? Join this session to explore strategies, policies, and innovations driving a competitive and sustainable agri-food sector.

Confirmed Panellists:
Agata Galinska, Head of Unit Global issues, WTO and relations with ACP, DG AGRI, European Commission
Flavio Coturni, Head of Unit Agriculture, food & sanitary & pytosanitary matters, DG TRADE, European Commission
Cristina Guarda MEP, Member AGRI Committee, European Parliament
Théo Paquet, Senior Policy Officer for Agriculture, EEB

Moderated by Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro


17:35 - 18:20
PANEL: Decarbonising agrifood - Challenges and solutions for a climate-neutral future

The agrifood industry plays a crucial role in achieving the European Commission’s net-zero targets, with emissions coming from various sectors, such as agriculture, packaging, transport, and waste management. However, cutting emissions while ensuring food security and economic viability remains a challenge. Join this session to explore innovative solutions, policy frameworks, and pathways to a net-zero agri-food industry sector.

Confirmed Panellists:
Gijs Schilthuis, Director, Sustainability, DG AGRI, European Commission
Sirpa Pietikäinen MEP, Member ECON and FEMM Committees, Substitute, ENVI & SANT Committees, European Parliament
Boris Erg, Director, European Regional Office, IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)

Moderated by Maria Simon



18:20 - 18:30
CLOSING REMARKS


This Agrifood Policy Conference is supported by Koppert and Innocent Drinks.