Food for All: Addressing the gaps in Europe’s agri-food sector

19 Nov 2026

14:00-18:00

Brussels

Food systems across Europe are under increasing strain. Climate change, biodiversity loss and global uncertainty are reshaping how food is produced and distributed. Together, these pressures are exposing weaknesses across the entire value chain. Addressing them will require a more resilient and adaptable approach, one that can respond to disruption while maintaining predictability.

Innovation, supported by adequate financing and a competitive Single Market, will be central to strengthening the reliability of production and supply. At the same time, deeper international cooperation can help reinforce both the security and sustainability of food systems. With so much on our plate, today’s decisions will define how effectively Europe’s food systems can anticipate and respond to future shocks.

Programme

14.00 – 14.25

Registration

14.25– 14.30

Welcome

  • Volker Achelpohler, Agricultural relations Director, The Gowan Company

  • Thibaut L’Ortye, Chief Policy and Public Affairs Oficer, AmCham EU

14.30 -14.45

Keynote: Agri-food competitiveness in Europe

  • Elisabeth Werner, Director-General, Agriculture and Rural Development, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission

14.45 - 16.25

Panel 1 - What would unlock the next investment in Europe’s food value chain?

  • Ali Abdi, Minister Counsellor, United States Department of Agriculture

  • Volker Achelpohler, Agricultural Relations Director, The Gowan Company

  • Patrick Pagani, Deputy Secretary General, Copa-Cogeca

  • Ricard Ramon i Sumoy, Head of Unit, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission

  • Moderator: Kim Watts, Policy Director AmCham EU

16.25 - 16.35

Closing remarks

  • Volker Achelpohler, Agricultural Relations Director, The Gowan Company

16.35-18.00

Reception

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