The EU AgRI 2040 Conference

On 24–25 September 2026, the European Commission’s Directorate‑General for Agriculture and Rural Development will host the “EU AgRI 2040 Conference” in Brussels, dedicated to the “New Strategic Approach to Research and Innovation for competitive, resilient and sustainable agriculture, forestry, rural areas and food systems: Future‑proofing EU agri‑food through AgRI 2040 and Food 2040”.

This two‑day high‑level event will provide a space for reflection, exchange and co‑creation with key stakeholders on priorities for future research and innovation (R&I) in agriculture, forestry and rural areas. Its overall ambition is to support the delivery of the Vision for Agriculture and Food through the next EU Research and Innovation Programme 2028–34 (FP10) and the future European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), helping to steer investments towards more sustainable and resilient agri‑food systems.

The conference will host a multi‑actor setting offering the opportunity to align research agendas with the needs and expectations of those who operate daily along the food and forestry value chains.

For the EU FOOD SAFETY PLATFORM the conference is a strategic moment to contribute its experience in participatory processes and Strategic Research and Innovation Agendas (SRIA) to the broader AgRI 2040 and Food 2040 debate. Building on its role as an interface between science, policy and society and on its involvement in European projects such as HOLiFOOD, MyMatch, FoodSafeR, AGRITECH and others, the Platform can bring concrete evidence and stakeholder insights on emerging food safety risks, climate‑related challenges and the transition towards sustainable food systems.

By engaging in the EU AgRI 2040 Conference discussions and networking activities, the EU FOOD SAFETY PLATFORM aims to:

• feed food‑safety and sustainability priorities into the design of FP10 and the future European Competitiveness Fund
• strengthen alliances with key EU and national institutions, R&I actors and agri‑food stakeholders
• explore new opportunities for collaboration, co‑creation labs and living labs that can support the digital Food Safety Knowledge Center and future editions of the EU FOOD SAFETY FORUM.

Further information and the conference programme are available on the European Commission website.
Registrations close on July 3, 2026.