Growing the Future:
Sustainable Agriculture in Europe
This event, co-organised together with ZPP - Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers, will focus on the evolving landscape of the EU's agrifood policies, with a particular emphasis on sustainability, food security, and the role of innovation. As Europe faces environmental and geopolitical challenges, the event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to discuss the future of sustainable farming across the EU.
Key topics will include balancing productivity with environmental goals, adapting agriculture to climate change, and integrating technological innovations like precision farming and AI-driven tools to improve sustainability. Discussions will also cover the EU's climate targets, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and the financial mechanisms needed to support the transition to greener farming practices.
In light of climate change and geopolitical tensions, securing a stable food supply remains a priority. We aim to explore strategies for strengthening supply chains, diversifying import sources, and enhancing domestic production capacity. The event will offer insights into the challenges and opportunities for Europe's agrifood sector as it adapts to a rapidly changing global landscape as well as discuss adaptation strategies, and explore policies that can safeguard long-term food production.
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Welcome
Paul RübigPresident of SME Connect
Member of the European Economic and Social Committee
Member of the European Parliament 1996-2019 -
Opening
Herbert Dorfmann MEPMember of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
Carmen Crespo Diaz MEPCommittee on Agriculture and Rural Development
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Strategic Perspectives
Gijs SchilthuisDeputy Director-General, in charge of Directorates B, C, and D, Sustainability (AGRI.B), European Commission
Christian HolzleitnerHead of Unit, Land Economy and Carbon Removals, DG CLIMA, European Commission
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INTERVENTIONS
Anna BorysSenior Director of Government Relations Europe at McDonald’s
Hugo JansenSustainability Director at Cargill
Marcin SokołowskiQuality Assurance & Sustainability Raw Material Manager, OSI Food Solutions Poland
Seyide DirekPolicy Analyst at the European Enterprise Alliance (EEA)
Jakub BinkowskiBoard Member at Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers (ZPP)
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CLOSING REMARKS
Horst HeitzChair of the Steering Committee of SME Connect
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MODERATION
Agata BoutanosDirector of Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers Brussels Office