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On Tuesday, 9 December, AmCham EU hosted a discussion on the Food and Feed Omnibus and its role in simplifying Europe’s agri-food legislation. The conversation explored how a more coherent, innovation-friendly framework can reduce complexity and ease the administrative burden across the value chain. The discussion also underlined the importance of aligning regulation with scientific and technological progress, while reinforcing Europe’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy. Effective collaboration between policymakers and industry remains essential to ensure the Omnibus delivers practical improvements for operators throughout the agri-food sector.

During the panel, participants heard from Tyler Babcock, Senior Agricultural Attaché, US Mission to the European Union; Dr Eugene Kevin Foley-Friel, Agriculture Attaché, Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union and Astrid Sofie Vestergaard Nielsen, Food Attaché, Permanent Representation of Denmark to the European Union. The discussion was moderated by David Mills (Mondelēz International), Chair, Communications Group; Member of the Board of Directors and Vice-Chair, Agriculture & Food Committee, AmCham EU.

Innovation is key to ensuring long-term food security and sustainability. At Enough Food for All 2025, held on Monday, 23 June, stakeholders from across the transatlantic agricultural community came together to explore how innovative technologies can build more resilient food systems. The discussion focused on the power of innovation to boost productivity, reduce environmental impact and support global food stability. Speakers also highlighted the importance of regulatory alignment, rural investment and the importance of including farmers in legislation that impacts them.  

After Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU welcomed attendees, Michelle Bekkering, Deputy Under Secretary, US Department of Agriculture, underscored the power of innovation to drive productivity, reduce environmental impact and support global food stability via a video message. 

The panel discussion highlighted the need for a coherent EU policy framework to support the uptake of digital and biological solutions, from precision farming to gene editing. Speakers called for greater regulatory alignment, investment in rural infrastructure and improved stakeholder engagement. On the panel was Ali Abdi, Minister Counselor for Agricultural Affairs, US Mission to the European Union; Orsolya Frizon Somogyi, Acting Head of Unit, Research and Innovation, Outreach, Research and Geographical Indications, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission; Laila Pinheiro, Senior Executive, Public Affairs, Syngenta and Patrick Pagani, Deputy Secretary-General, Copa-Cogeca. 

Afterwards, the fireside chat with Herbert Dorfmann, MEP (EPP, IT) and Dr Juli Jessen, Global CEO, Gowan Company, reinforced the shared commitment to harnessing innovation for a secure and sustainable food future. Julie Vermooten (MSD), Chair, Agriculture and Food Committee, AmCham EU, moderated the discussions. Thanks to our sponsors Gowan and MSD Animal Health for making the event a success. 

On Thursday, 5 June, AmCham EU met with Costas Kadis, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans. The meeting focused on shared priorities for a resilient, sustainable aquaculture sector and opportunities for transatlantic collaboration. AmCham EU highlighted the importance of science-based solutions, including prevention, digitalisation and animal welfare to ensure sustainable seafood production in line with EU green objectives. Edouard Coppieters, Senior Policy Adviser; Malte Lohan, CEO and Julie Vermooten (MSD), Chair, Agriculture and Food Committee, AmCham EU represented the organisation.