The European Commission identifies biotechnology as one of the most promising technologies of this century, part of the solutions for addressing the green transition and many of the current and future social challenges, while strengthening the competitiveness of the European economy.
In the agri-food sector, over the past decades, biotechnology advancements have led to the development of solutions for growing crops, controlling pests, making food manufacturing more efficient and less energy intensive (enzymes), increasing protein diversification, improving product taste and texture, or health through essential nutrients and sugar/salt/fat replacements. Advances in biotechnology have helped enhance both the competitiveness and sustainability of the sector.
In light of the upcoming proposal on a EU Biotech Act, this event aims to shed light on the present and future of biotechnology in the agri-food sector, discussing challenges, opportunities and concerns with a pragmatic, solution-oriented logic, and by going back to the origin of biotechnology.
While a proposal on the use of new genomic techniques in plants is already on the table of the European Parliament – thus contributing to raise awareness about biotech applications in crop breeding – the role and impact of biotech applications in other parts of the agrifood value chain has received less attention so far. In particular, many biotech solutions stem from the use of micro-organisms, as well as precision and biomass fermentation technology.
To fully unlock these innovations in Europe, enabling conditions will be crucial — from a clear and predictable regulatory pathway (Novel Foods/EFSA, guidance, timelines, sandboxes, fit-for-purpose state-aid), to dedicated support instruments (IPCEI-like tools), and accessible pilot and demonstration infrastructure to help scale first-of-a-kind solutions.
The European Food Forum is glad to invite you to a multi-stakeholder dialogue hosted by MEP Morten Løkkegaard, to contribute to the current EU policy agenda, with a view to strengthen and accelerate the sustainable development path of agrifood sector, where biotechnology can play a more prominent role. This first EFF event will spotlight microbiological applications in the agri-food sector, with upcoming events planned to cover plant and animal biotechnology, ensuring a full exploration of the sector's potential.
