2023 Future of Food Conference

The event took place as the current cohort of EU policymakers approached the end of their mandate, and political Groups began consolidating their positions ahead of the upcoming EU elections in June 2024. Amidst the continued depletion and deterioration of soils, ecosystems, and natural resources, the tensions between farmers, food industry players, and policymakers rose high. The political debate became increasingly divisive, and several key Green Deal initiatives with great relevance to agrifood became stuck in fiery negotiations with no end in sight. As the challenges rose in urgency, disagreement on how to address them and distribute the cost hampered decision-making.

Against this background, the Future of Food Conference constituted a moment for policymakers, industry representatives, farmers, NGOs, startups, and academics to sit together and take stock of the past four years, drawing lessons from the achievements and roadblocks of the Green Deal, and cast a glance at the future. Reflecting the diversity of participants and EIT Food's systemic approach, the 15 sessions that animated the day tackled a variety of topics, from consumer information and behaviour, to legislation, protein diversification, food security, investment, and more. Marking the European Year of Skills, two sessions delved deep into how to future-proof young professionals in the food system, and exploring the topic of Deep Tech skills.

Over 200 attendees and 170 online viewers joined our 45 speakers for this seminal moment and shared their insights in interactive conversations. Looking to the upcoming legislature, these insights have also been collected into a set of Policy Recommendations, which you can download below.