EIT Food launches Skills Academies to tackle workforce gaps in the food sector
Happening in Brussels, in May 2025
EIT Food is proud to announce the launch of its Skills Academies, a new flagship initiative designed to tackle growing skills shortages and support the transformation of Europe’s food system. The Academies were unveiled at the Agrifood Skills Pact Annual Event, reinforcing EIT Food’s commitment to the Union of Skills.
Across Europe, the agri-food sector is facing a critical turning point. From the digital and green transitions to an ageing workforce and rapid technological change, skills needs are evolving fast - but training systems and labour markets are struggling to keep pace. This is putting Europe’s competitiveness and resilience at risk and hinders the sector to really transform.
To help bridge this gap, the EIT Food Skills Academies offer a sector-led, collaborative response, combining industry expertise, skills intelligence, cutting-edge learning experiences, and a strong focus on impact.
The initiative will initially focus on two core areas:
Biotechnology
Building capacity for innovation at the intersection of food, biotech, and health.
Resilient Agriculture
Supporting regenerative practices, digital innovation, and sustainable production.
Each Academy will be built around interconnected activities helping learners and organisations gain the skills they need while supporting systemic change in policy, practice, and mindsets.
We believe in the concept of the EU Skills Academies as outlined in the Union of Skills. They are a critical part in a competitive and sustainable economy. I am delighted that we will convene and co-invest in two Academies in key parts of the food system to deal with the most pressing issues of today and the near future.
The Academies are supported by a cross-sector alliance of partners from business, education, research, and policy. They also align closely with EU strategies, including the Pact for Skills in Agrifood, and build on EIT Food’s ongoing efforts to support lifelong learning, skills intelligence, and workforce development.
EIT Food invites organisations from across the agri-food ecosystem to join the Skills Academies - whether to co-create training, contribute expertise, or support scale and outreach.