European Food Forum

Explore Our New Membership Guide: Engage with the EFF for a Sustainable and Resilient Food System!🌱 The European Food Forum (EFF) aims to foster open dialogues on sustainable food systems by uniting policymakers, businesses, civil society, academia, and public institutions. Our goal is to improve transparency, inclusivity, and mutual understanding, and providing a space where all voices can contribute to collaborative solutions. The EFF itself does not take positions on specific policy issues. We are pleased to introduce our new membership guide, designed with tailored information for MEPs, businesses, and civil society organizations. This guide highlights the advantages of EFF membership and encourages participation in our dialogue. Join us in our efforts to create a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future for food policy in Europe!🍽️🌍 👉Discover more: www.europeanfoodforum.eu  👉 Browse past events in our activity report (2019-2024 May): https://lnkd.in/dbdgUJnR #LetsTalkAboutFood #EUFoodDialogue 

Welcome the European Food Forum’s new Vice-Chair, MEP Stefano Cavedagna! In his video message, MEP Cavedagna highlights both the challenges and opportunities facing the agri-food sector today. As Vice-Chair, he is committed to fostering collaboration among stakeholders, driving innovative, inclusive solutions for a resilient agri-food system in Europe.🇪🇺🍽️ We look forward to working together and fostering an open dialogue to create a sustainable food future for all. 🌱 #LetsTalkAboutFood #EUFoodDialogue ECR Group in the European Parliament European Parliament

Exciting news to kick off the week: MEP Barry Cowen joins the European Food Forum!🎉 MEP Cowen has dedicated over three decades to public service, with a career that spans local, national, and European representation. His political journey began in 1991 with Offaly County Council, representing the Tullamore area for 20 years. In 2011, he entered national politics as a Teachta Dála (TD) for Laois–Offaly, where he served until 2016, later representing Offaly from 2016 to 2020 and Laois–Offaly again from 2020 until his election to the EP in 2024.🗳️ Throughout his tenure in the Dáil, Mr. Cowen held prominent roles on Fianna Fáil’s Front Bench, covering portfolios such as Social Protection, Housing, Planning and Local Government, and Public Expenditure and Reform. He represented Fianna Fáil in talks on government formation in both 2016 and 2020. In 2020, he was also Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, where he underscored his commitment to Ireland’s agricultural sector and rural communities.🌾 At the European Parliament, MEP Cowen is Member of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI), and the Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand. He is also a Substitute on the Committee of International Trade (INTA), and the Delegation for relations with South Africa (D-ZA).🌍 Welcome to the European Food Forum, MEP Cowen!🌱🍴 #LetsTalkAboutFood #EUFoodDialogue Barry Cowen TD Renew Europe

MEP Mariateresa Vivaldini joins the European Food Forum!🍽️ MEP Vivaldini is an agricultural entrepreneur from the Brescia and Cremona plains, bringing nearly 20 years of administrative experience at both municipal and provincial levels. In 2004, she became councilor and deputy mayor of Pavone, later elected mayor in 2014. She served as a provincial councilor in Broletto for 17 years, and was the first woman in Brescia to hold the position of Councilor for Public Works from 2010 to 2015. With roots in a family working in agriculture, MEP Vivaldini has a strong connection to the sector. This connection inspires her daily work with people, associations, and businesses, motivating her to ensure that Europe better meets the needs of its citizens and communities. At the European Parliament, MEP Vivaldini is Vice-Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Mexico Joint Parliamentary Committee (D-MX), Member of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) and the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE). She is also a Substitute on the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO), and the delegation for Northern cooperation and for relations with Switzerland and Norway and to the EU-Iceland Joint Parliamentary Committee and the European Economic Area (EEA) Joint Parliamentary Committee (DEEA).🇪🇺 Welcome to the European Food Forum, MEP Vivaldini!🌱 ECR Group in the European Parliament #LetsTalkAboutFood #EUFoodDialogue

MEP Mario Furore joins the European Food Forum!🎉 MEP Mario Furore started his political career in 2012, when the political and social change pushed him to become an activist for the 5 Star Movement. In 2014 he obtained a law degree, and in 2015 he worked with Rosa Barone in the Puglia Regional Council. Mr. Furore has been a MEP since 2019 - currently, he is member of the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT), and the Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI), and the Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly (DLAT). He is also a Substitute on the Delegation to the EU-Chile Joint Parliamentary Committee (D-CL).🇪🇺 MEP Furore’s work focuses on reducing economic, social, and territorial disparities between European regions. We look forward to his insights in our discussions on sustainable food systems, food security, and regional development.🌍🍽️ Welcome to the European Food Forum, MEP Furore!🌱 #LetsTalkAboutFood #EUFoodDialogue European Parliament The Left in the European Parliament

🌟We are thrilled to welcome MEP Stefan Köhler as the new Chair of the European Food Forum! 🌱 🎥 Check out Mr. Köhler’s inspiring video message, where he shares his commitment to promoting inclusive and meaningful discussions in the agri-food sector. With his leadership, we eagerly anticipate collaborative solutions that unite diverse perspectives and pave the way for a sustainable, resilient agrifood future in Europe.🇪🇺🍽️ Join us in celebrating this new chapter!🎉 #LetsTalkAboutFood #EUFoodDialogue EPP Group in the European Parliament European Parliament

📣 Breaking news: The European Food Forum welcomes the new Steering Committee with Chair & Deputy Chair! Yesterday marked the first meeting of the new legislature with our Steering Committee! We were excited to welcome the new MEPs joining the Steering Committee: Biljana Borzan, Stefano Cavedagna, and Stefan Köhler. We also took the opportunity to reflect on the EFF’s achievements over the past five years and discuss the exciting initiatives ahead. A lot of great things are cooking to increase the dialogue and decrease polarization - the EFF is making sure no one is left behind! 🍳 In a heartfelt farewell, we said goodbye to EFF’s second Chair, Irène Tolleret, who has taken on the role of EFF Ambassador, and welcomed our newly elected Chair, MEP Stefan Köhler, and Deputy-Chair MEP Stefano Cavedagna. Together, they’ll lead the EFF in its mission to foster transparent, inclusive dialogue on the future of food in Europe. 🍽️ 👥The new EFF Steering Committee is now composed of the following members: MEPs:   🇪🇺Stefan Köhler (EPP Germany) - Chair of the EFF 🇪🇺Stefano Cavedagna (ECR Italy) - Deputy-Chair of the EFF 🇪🇺 Brando Benifei (S&D Italy – EFF Founder) 🇪🇺 Biljana Borzan (S&D Croatia) 🇪🇺 Pietro Fiocchi (ECR Italy) 🇪🇺 ALESSANDRA MORETTI (S&D Italy) 🇪🇺 Christine Schneider (EPP Germany)   Public Institution&Civil society members:    🏛️ Eva Falch - Head of NTNU Food Forum - Ass. professor in Food Science - Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) 🏛️ Bojin Bojinov – Head Genetics and breeding research group, Department of Plant physiology, Biochemistry and Genetics - Agricultural University of Plovdiv  🏛️ Piet van der Meer – Professor Biotechnology Regulation and coordinator of the Program on Sustainable Food and Biomass Systems – Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)   Business members:   💼 Iliana Axiotiades – Chair of the Board of Management, COCERAL 💼 Dionne Heijnen - Treasurer of EFF, Mondelēz International  💼 Nenad Peric - Yara International We’re very excited for the journey ahead and the positive impact this leadership team will bring to advancing discussions on European food policy - stay tuned!📩 #LetsTalkAboutFood #EUFoodDialogue EPP Group in the European ParliamentSocialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament ECR Group in the European Parliament

Congratulations Christophe Hansen on your confirmation as Commissioner for Agriculture & Food! The European Food Forum is excited to collaborate and enhance dialogue in the agrifood sector, promoting unity and working towards a sustainable and resilient food system in Europe.🌱🇪🇺 #LetsTalkAboutFood #EUFoodDialogue EPP Group in the European Parliament

MEP Stefano Cavedagna joins the European Food Forum!🍽️ Mr. Cavedagna embarked on his political career when he was elected city councillor for the San Lazzaro district of Savena. By the age of 20, he had become the group leader of The People of Freedom in the council. In 2011, he was appointed regional coordinator of Young Italy in Bologna, and in 2014, he took on the role of regional coordinator for Young Italy in Emilia-Romagna. In the 2021 Bologna municipal election, he was elected to the Bologna City Council, where he served as the group leader of Brothers of Italy until his election to the European Parliament.🗳️🇪🇺 At the European Parliament, MEP Cavedagna is Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Chile Joint Parliamentary Committee (D-CL). He is also a Member of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO), and the Conference of Delegation Chairs (CPDE). Additionally, he serves as a substitute on the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) and the Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly (DLAT). In his own words, "I have had the privilege of working in Emilia-Romagna, a region critical to the agri-food sector, and my election to the European Parliament has provided me with invaluable opportunities. Being a member of committees such as IMCO and ENVI has deepened my appreciation for the importance of constructive dialogue and collaboration among MEPs, stakeholders, and various participants in the European institutional debate." We look forward to his contributions to the discussions on sustainable food policies and addressing key challenges in our food systems. Welcome to the European Food Forum, MEP Cavedagna! 🌱. #LetsTalkAboutFood #EUFoodDialogue ECR Group in the European Parliament

The European Food Forum Welcomes the New Chair of the Board of Management! 🎉 We’re excited to welcome Iliana Axiotiades, Secretary General at COCERAL as the new Chair of our Board of Management! Iliana brings decades of experience in agricultural trade and policy advocacy. We also want to extend our heartfelt thank you to cristina Tinelli, Director of International and EU Relations at Confagricoltura for her dedication and impactful work as our previous Chair of the BoM. Cristina, your contributions have strengthened the EFF and its mission—thank you! 👉 Swipe to see Iliana's motivation and our current Board of Management! #LetsTalkAboutFood #SustainableFood #EUFoodDialogue Dionne Heijnen Mondelēz International Bojin Bojinov Agricultural University-Plovdiv Eva Falch Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Piet van der Meer Vrije Universiteit Brussel Nenad P. Yara International