From Policy to Plate: Accelerating Agrifood Innovation in Europe Through Government Alignment

Thu, Oct 16, 2025 // 10:00 - 10:50 // Net Zero Food System stage

How can policy alignment across Europe accelerate agrifood innovation?

This session explores the synergies between European, national, and regional policies needed to advance agrifood innovation in support of EIT Food’s Net Zero Food System mission. With a focus on smart specialisation and cross-sector collaboration, speakers will share how various funding streams and innovation strategies can enable startups, farmers, corporates, and researchers.

Attendees will gain insights into leveraging European Structural and Investment Funds, amplifying the impact of EIT Food programmes like InfraBooster and the Government Executive Academy, and creating collaborative policy frameworks that drive sustainable, future-fit food systems across Europe.

Session Speakers

Prof. UW dr hab. Krzysztof Klincewicz – Moderator

Director, Centre for Socially Responsible Innovations, University of Warsaw
Andre Veskioja

Director General, Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK)
Claudiu Mitrea

Expert at the Sectoral Specialisation Office, North-East Regional Development Agency from Romania
Jitka Götzová

Director of Food Safety Department, Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic
Marija Batinić Sermek

Head of Service for food quality and food information, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Republic of Croatia
Dr. Rasa Melnikienė

Deputy Director, Head of the Institute, Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences, Institute of Economics and Rural Development
Marios Adamides

Senior Agricultural Officer, Natural Resources and Environment; Head of Cabinet of the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Republic of Cyprus