The recent Food 2030 and Beyond: Competitive, Sustainable, and Resilient Food Systems workshop, held in Brussels on March 6th, gathered key stakeholders to assess the progress of the EU’s Food2030 strategy and explore future directions. With over €700 million invested in food governance and microbiome research, discussions underscored the ongoing relevance of Food2030 priorities, particularly in fostering innovation and strengthening food security. For Data4Food2030, the workshop provided an opportunity to align its insights with the evolving strategy beyond Food2030.
The event was structured into two key segments:
Joanna Drake, Deputy Director-General of DG RTD, highlighted the urgency of restarting the innovation cycle in the EU food system, emphasizing plant-based foods, bio-protein crops, and startup strategies. She also announced the upcoming public consultation on the future of food systems, with a proposal for FP10—the successor to Horizon Europe—expected by late 2025.
John Bell, Director of Healthy Planet at DG RTD, reinforced the need for rapid mobilization of research and policy communities to tackle food security challenges. He stressed that innovation remains central to ensuring food and nutrition security. Meanwhile, Klaus Berend from DG SANTE underscored the role of social, societal, and financial innovation, recognizing Data4Food2030 as a key example of data-driven transformation in the food sector.
Key discussion points included:
Panelists also explored biotechnology, the bioeconomy, and circular economy approaches, with contributions from Emmanuel Le Maire (DG ENV), Ricard Ramon (DG AGRI), and industry leaders Mary-Liis Kütt (äio tech OÜ) and Mridul Pareek (European Bioeconomy Fund), who emphasized the potential of foodtech and nutritional innovations.
As the EU refines its research and innovation framework, Data4Food2030 continues to demonstrate how data-driven insights can guide policy and practice. The project highlights the importance of translating lessons learned into actionable strategies that extend beyond the current framework, ensuring that future food systems are secure, sustainable, and inclusive.
With the upcoming FP10 framework on the horizon, the contributions from this workshop will play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of EU food policies. By leveraging data, innovation, and collaborative expertise, Data4Food2030 is helping to pave the way for a more resilient and forward-thinking food ecosystem.
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
