On 14 and 15 June 2018, a conference on the topic “FOOD 2030 – research and innovation for food security and improving the quality and safety of food and food systems” will be held at the Agricultural University – Plovdiv, as part of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU. The event is organised by the Ministry of Education and Science of Bulgaria, with the support of the European Commission.
The conference is dedicated to research and innovation as the driving force for the transformation of food systems so that they are at the same time sustainable, inclusive, responsible, diverse and competitive. Such a transformation requires a new approach to research and innovation that places the food system at the centre as a means of ensuring food safety and nutrition in a changing world affected by the impact of climate change and resource scarcity, the loss of biodiversity and migration.
“Food security starts from the soil and ends with people’s health”, shared in an interview for BNT on the occasion of the forthcoming conference Dr. Hristina Yancheva, Rector of the Agricultural University in Plovdiv. The agricultural higher education institution has been selected to host the international event. Over the course of two days, several plenary sessions and parallel sessions will be held, during which research systems and innovations in food systems will be discussed. The accompanying programme will include an exhibition of innovative methods in the food industry, innovations in crop production technologies, as well as local foods.
FOOD 2030
The holding of conferences on food chains and their transformation in relation to the growing global population, the scarcity of natural resources and climate change started after the World Expo in Milan in 2015, when the Commissioner for Research and Innovation Carlos Moedas announced his intention to create a food research area on World Food Day 2016. In Plovdiv, the second landmark high-level conference will be held under the auspices of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The conferences are venues for exchanging experience, on the basis of which new legislation has been developed to regulate and support policy for the future of the food sector.
FOOD 2030 is an EU policy in the field of research and innovation, built on the priorities in the area of food and nutrition security. This policy includes four main priorities:
Sustainable and healthy nutrition – ensuring universal access to food resources and water worldwide. This includes reducing hunger and malnutrition, a high level of food safety, reducing non-communicable diseases related to dietary patterns, and supporting all citizens in leading a healthy lifestyle.
Climate and climate-smart and environmentally sustainable food systems – building climate-smart food systems that are adapted to climate change and protect natural resources. Ensuring diversity in food systems (including production, processing, distribution and logistics). The aim is that natural resources (water, soil, land and sea) are used sustainably within the planetary boundaries and are accessible for future generations.
Circularity and resource efficiency of food systems – applying the principles of the circular economy with efficient use of resources throughout the entire food system, while reducing food losses and minimising waste.
Innovation and empowerment of communities (a process through which communities are enabled to increase control over their lives) – promoting innovation and investment while at the same time providing opportunities for communities. A broad innovation ecosystem leading to new business models and products, goods and services with added value that respond to the needs, values and expectations of society in a responsible and ethical manner. More and better jobs throughout the EU that are part of urban, rural and coastal economies and communities.
HERE you can see the programme and the participants in the conference
