Advancing Food Systems in Europe

Advancing Food Systems in Europe
research & innovation for healthier, sustainable and resilient future 

The Polish Presidency's priorities emphasize seven dimensions of security, with two key areas focusing  on food production and health. In this context, we aim to foster stronger connections between Polish  researchers, innovators and policymakers in the field of healthy food and their European counterparts. This initiative seeks to drive collaboration and accelerate advancements in developing food products  that promote better health and well-being and has received the patronage of the Polish presidency  of the Council of the EU. 

Our efforts will centre on assessing the current state of research and innovation while envisioning  future pathways for impactful progress. On 17 March 2025, in Brussels, researchers from Denmark  (Aarhus University) and Poland (the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish  Academy of Sciences, the Medical University of Bialystok, and the Institute of Agrophysics PAS in  Lublin) will present their latest findings on the interplay between pre- and post-harvest food systems,  incl. consumer behaviour, nutrition and health. The event will bring together experts in food  production, technology and marketing as well as personalized nutrition and medicine to  collaboratively explore strategies for reducing the prevalence of diet-related non-communicable  diseases (NCDs) through innovative, health-focused food solutions. 

In addition, selected start-ups and SMEs from Poland and across Europe will showcase cutting-edge  products and technologies addressing critical needs, including enhancing product diversity for balanced diets that benefit both people and the planet, expanding sustainable protein options, and  optimizing the nutrient density of food.

The event will conclude with the policy session designed to address future challenges of the food 
systems in Europe. This dialogue aims to explore co-creation opportunities and partnerships that 
leverage diet-centred prevention of non-communicable diseases, aligning with the EIT Food mission of 
empowering individuals to live healthier lives through innovative and sustainable food solutions.

Programme

11:00 – 11:15 Opening 

● Marcin Kuchciński, Marshal of the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship
● Tomasz Poprawka, Director of the PolSCA Office in Brussels - Polish Academy of Sciences (PAS)
● Waldemar Dubianowski, Director of the NCBR Office in Brussels

11:15 - 12:30 Session I – CONSUMER TRUST AND ADVANCES IN FOOD & HEALTH RESEARCH 

The session will first look into the motivations, barriers and concerns of consumers when choosing 
healthier and more sustainable food products. We will then look into the recent findings of experts 
running studies in the area of prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through dietary 
interventions.

Opening and hosting of the session: Bożena Podlaska, National Centre for Research and Development

Keynote speech by Klaus Grunert, Aarhus University
Why trust is crucial: Consumer trust and the adoption of new healthy and sustainable food products

Research presentations:

• Magdalena Frąc, Institute of Agrophysics & President of the Agronomic Sciences Committee 
  PAS
  Soil and plant microbiomes to support sustainable strategies for healthy food production
• Katarzyna Socha, Medical University of Bialystok 
  Functional food in nutritional interventions in selected non-communicable diseases
• Carsten Carlberg, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research PAS 
  Epigenetic Insights into Vitamin D's Role in Healthy Aging

Q&As session

12:30 - 13:30 Lunch break

13:30 – 15:00 Session II – INNOVATION IN FOOD – PERSPECTIVE OF INDUSTRY

Firstly, the session will introduce the actions of EIT Food with and for the food research & innovation 
community, especially initiative focusing on improving public health by promoting innovative, 
sustainable, and nutritious food solutions. Then we will showcase examples of innovative enterprises 
operating in the food branch both in Poland and other European countries and finally let them share 
their perspective on future food innovations.

Opening and hosting of the session: Adam Adamek, Director of Innovation, EIT Food

Healthy Lives through Food: Paweł Harycki, EIT Food

Pitching session by SMEs/start-ups:

• Jarosław Turek, PROBIOS Ltd., PL
• Justyna Moskwa, NutriDesign Lab Ltd., PL
• Lucia Balak, Živá Záhrada Ltd. and PedaVita NGO, SK
• Chris Knight, Agribot AI Ltd., UK

Roundtable discussion with the members of the panel.

15:00 - 15:30 Coffee break

15:30 - 16:45 Session III – POLICY – WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR FOOD RESEARCH

The session will tackle the directions for the food research in terms of food security and quality having 
in mind the challenges that Europe faces. The presenters will show the perspectives of policy makers, 
evidence providers and stakeholders organizations, which shall contribute to the ongoing discussion 
about the future directions for FP10 and MFF 2027-2032.

Opening and hosting of the session: Claude Yven, Coordinator of FutureFoodS Partnership & French 
National Research Agency (ANR)

• Rosalinda Scalia, European Commission, Directorate General RTD, Bioeconomy and Food 
  Systems Unit
• Edith Feskens, JPI Healthy Diet, Healthy Life
• Iwona Kieda, FOODforce Network & Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research PAS
• Paweł Chmieliński, Institute of Rural and Agricultural Development PAS

16:45 – Closing remarks 

17:00 – Networking

Event's website » Advancing Food Systems in Europe