The European Commission adopted a Communication on a new Strategic Approach for Research and Innovation in the agri-food sector, covering agriculture, forestry, rural areas and food systems. The strategic document brings together two interconnected frameworks, AgRI 2040 and Food 2040, which will guide research and innovation to create a more competitive, resilient and sustainable agri-food sector.
The strategy aims to strengthen the innovation ecosystem from initial research to market implementation, accelerating the application of knowledge and promoting collaboration between end users, researchers and businesses. This collaborative approach intends to help startups, growing companies and small and medium-sized enterprises advance promising innovations towards the market, converting European scientific excellence into practical solutions.
Christophe Hansen, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, emphasised that research and innovation can transform agricultural practice and rural area management, underlining the importance of adapting solutions to local conditions. Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, recalled that Europe is a leader in science, but many innovative solutions still face difficulties reaching consumers and markets.
The AgRI 2040 and Food 2040 frameworks will be implemented under Horizon Europe between 2028 and 2034, complementing the European Bioeconomy Strategy and aligning with the Vision for Agriculture and Food. The next milestone will be the EU AgRI 2040 Conference, which will take place in Brussels on 24 and 25 September, bringing together sector stakeholders to define future research and innovation priorities.
