“Food 2030: Green and Resilient Food Systems” conference concludes successfully in Brussels

The "Food 2030: Green and Resilient Food Systems" conference held in Brussels last week witnessed resounding success with over 1,000 attendees both, present in person and online. The event, organised by the European Commission, aimed to showcase achievements in EU-funded food systems projects, explore future research and innovation (R&I) directions, and discuss strategies for achieving sustainable and resilient food systems as part of the EU Green Deal goals.

The two-day conference addressed the complexities of the food systems, emphasising the need for a comprehensive approach to transformation. The event highlighted the significance of R&I policies in navigating the challenges and fostering solutions. The Food 2030 initiative, launched by DG Research and Innovation in 2016, provides a framework for impactful R&I policies for sustainable food systems, currently being implemented through the Horizon Europe programme

During the successful event, the new report “Food 2030 Research and Innovation – Pathways for action 2.0 – R&I policy as a driver for sustainable, healthy, climate resilient and inclusive food systems” was launched.

Day 1 highlights

The first day was opened by high-level messages, conveyed by Marc Lemaitre, Director-General of DG RTD, Claire Bury, Deputy Director-General of DG SANTE, and Raquel Yotti, Secretary General for Research representing the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

A number of panel discussions and keynote speeches covered various topics, spanning from the journey and impact of Food 2030 to the lessons learned, the true cost of food, and the role of youth and the entertainment industry in transforming food systems.

Day 2 highlights

On day 2, on the occasion of the World Soil Day, Wolfgang Burtscher, Director-General of DG AGRI welcomed the audience.After keynote speeches on sustainable food consumption and climate-smart chefs, six breakout sessions delved into topics such as soil health, promising technologies, and international partnerships.

The conference concluded with panels on the intersection of science and arts, out-of-the-box thinking, and a forward-looking discussion on the future of food systems in 2050.

The event saw active participation from a diverse range of stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and the youth, reflecting the shared commitment to building green, resilient, and sustainable food systems.

Peter Wehrheim, Head of Unit B2 "Bioeconomy and Food Systems" in DG RTD, wrapped up the conference, emphasising the collaborative efforts needed to shape the future of food systems.

The success of the "Food 2030" conference underscored the importance of collective action and innovative solutions in achieving a sustainable and resilient food future for Europe and beyond.

All sessions of the conference were recorded and remain available online.