High-Level Conference

The European Commission organised a high-level conference on "Modern Biotechnologies in Agriculture – Paving the way for responsible innovation". This one-day conference took place in Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday 28 September 2017.

The conference stimulated an informed and open debate among all stakeholders on how the EU can benefit from modern biotechnologies and innovation in the food and agricultural sector while maintaining high safety standards. The participants were prominent European policy makers, relevant industry stakeholders, representatives of civil society, scientists, and government experts.

To watch a videorecording of this event, please click here(available until September 28 2018)

food safety | animal health | foodstuffs legislation | EU food chain
28 september 2017, 09:00 CEST
Belgium

Program

28 sep. 2017,
09:00 AM - 06:00 PM CEST
SpeakersVytenis AndriukaitisEuropean Commissioner for Health and Food SafetyJanusz BujnickiProfessor, Member of Commission's Scientific Advice MechanismTarmo TammEstonian Minister of Rural AffairsPhil HoganEuropean Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentConference ProgrammeMorning Session
Welcome speech:Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis
Speeches:Minister Tarmo TammProfessor Janusz Bujnicki
Panel discussion and Q&A:Fostering Responsible Research and Innovation in Modern Biotechnologies – How to reap the benefits in the EU.
Confirmed panellists:Martin Häusling, Member of the European Parliament,John Bell, Director, Bioeconomy, DG Research & Innovation, European CommissionJanusz Bujnicki, Professor of Biology at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell BiologyJulian Kinderlerer, Emeritus Professor of Intellectual Property LawRoald van Noort, Chairman of CRV Holding B.V.Ricarda Steinbrecher, Board Member of ENSSERArjen van Tunen, CEO of Keygene
LunchNetworking buffet lunchAfternoon Session
Panel discussion and Q&A:Modern Biotechnologies in Agriculture and Societal Challenges – Realising opportunities and addressing concerns.
Confirmed panellists:Phil Hogan, Member of the European CommissionPaolo de Castro, Member of the European ParliamentAngélique Delahaye, Member of the European ParliamentIris Bouwers, Vice President of European Council of Young FarmersGuy Kastler, European Coordination Via CampesinaNigel Moore, President of the European Seed AssociationJan Plagge, Vice President of IFOAM-EUCamilla Udsen, Senior Food Adviser at Danish Consumer Council
Panel discussion and Q&A:Finding a Common Way Forward – How to promote innovation and ensure safe use of modern biotechnologies in the EU.
Confirmed panellists:Vytenis Andriukaitis, EU Commissioner for Health & Food SafetyJytte Guteland, Member of the European ParliamentJan Huitema, Member of the European ParliamentTeresa Babuscio, Secretary General of CoceralHumberto Delgado Rosa, Director, Natural Capital, DG Environment, European CommissionJytte Guteland, Member of the European ParliamentJorgo Riss, Director of Greenpeace European UnitChristine Noiville, President of the French High Council for Biotechnology
Closing remarks:Dagmar Roth-Behrendt, Special Adviser to Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis
Photos from the conferenceFurther information: