June 14 and 15, the FOOD 2030 conference 2018 will take place at the Agrarian University in Povlic, Bulgaria. The High Level Event focuses on “Research & Innovation for Food and Nutrition Security – Transforming our food systems“.

The Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of EU is organising a Flagship Conference dedicated to Research and Innovation (R&I) as a driver of sustainable food systems transformation. Such a transformation requires a new way of doing science, research and innovation that puts the food system at the centre. This is a means to ensure food and nutrition security in a changing world and the combined pressures of climate change, resource scarcity, biodiversity decline, malnutrition, shifting demographics and migration. The systemic approach, as called for by FOOD 2030, requires linking land and sea; connecting producers to consumers – and back, in order to achieve four overarching priorities: nutrition for healthy and sustainable diets, climate and environmental sustainability, circularity and resource efficiency, innovation and empowering communities.

During this event the European Commission will present an update of the FOOD 2030 process and vision towards shaping tomorrow’s food and nutrition systems. The event will aim at answering how the drivers of sustainability, resilience, responsibility, diversity, competitiveness and inclusiveness, can deliver on the FOOD 2030 priorities and Sustainable Development Goals. It will also provide a platform for dialogue, feedback and recommendations towards:

• Understanding the complexity of food systems and the implications for R&I
• Building R&I ecosystems and place-based solutions to support food systems transformation
• Strengthening R&I alignment and investments through better governance
• Boosting future investments in R&I in Europe, leveraging private investments and increasing synergies with public funding
• Identifying how, who and what R&I is needed to transform our food systems

The conference program features plenaries with keynote speakers, parallel breakout sessions with interactive panel debates, a cultural performance and an exhibition space showcasing innovative research initiatives, networks, start-ups and sustainable food technologies. Additional side events will take place on the day before the conference.

Please visit the website for more information, the programme and online registration.