New Horizons for Agri-Food Technologies

CETEF'24 Thematic Conference

New Horizons for
Agri-Food Technologies

November 19, 2024
AGH University of Science and Technology
al. Adama Mickiewicza 30, Kraków

Organizer

The Hugo Kołłątaj University of Agriculture in Krakow is the only Agricultural University in Poland. For years, the University has been combining scientific development with the economy. Food, environment and energy are the main research problems that the University of Agriculture deals with. Research and teaching staff maintain close cooperation with companies, agricultural chambers and state and local government bodies, thanks to which it is possible to disseminate the results of the conducted research.

The University conducts innovative research in the field of broadly understood agricultural production and food processing in specific conditions: legal, local, environmental and related factors resulting from the need to reclaim post-industrial areas, as well as the impact of production processes on food quality and human health.

Introduction to the Conference

The EU food system provides over 400 million Europeans with fresh and safe food. Food production is not only a vital service, but also a source of income for many citizens. The developed agri-food chain is an important sector of the EU economy.

The agri-food sector has a significant impact on the environment, with around one third of global greenhouse gas emissions coming from food systems. The EU is transforming the way food is produced and consumed in Europe to: reduce the environmental footprint of food systems; strengthen resilience to crises, but still provide healthy and affordable food for future generations.

In May 2020, the Commission presented the Farm to Fork Strategy. The strategy aims to transform the current EU food system into a sustainable model. With food security a priority, the strategy also aims to: ensure sufficient, affordable and nutritious food; halve the use of pesticides and fertilisers and the sale of antimicrobials; increase the amount of land devoted to organic farming; promote more sustainable food consumption and healthy diets; reduce food loss and waste; combat food fraud in the supply chain; improve animal welfare. The transition to a more environmentally friendly food system will create new business opportunities and have a positive impact on incomes in the agri-food sector.