REACT4MED in Brussels for the COST Connect Event on “Agriculture and its Products”

REACT4MED in Brussels for the COST Connect Event on “Agriculture and its Products”

On October 17-18, Brussels hosted the COST Connect event, “Agriculture and its Products” uniting policymakers, stakeholders, and over 40 researchers from 20 COST Actions, including REACT4MED, to address pressing challenges in agriculture. Representing REACT4MED and the Prima project, Dr. Irene Christoforidi from the Hellenic Mediterranean University contributed to the discussions aimed at fostering interdisciplinary solutions for the sector’s future.

The event began with an opening address by Bart Veys, Head of the Policy Unit at COST Association, who underscored the need for integrated approaches rooted in innovative, cross-disciplinary methods. Following this, four distinguished speakers set the tone: Luis Vivas-Alegre (Head of Sector, DG AGRI European Commission), Henriette Christensen (Executive Director, Agro-Ecology Europe), Ivan Ivanov (Political Secretary for Agriculture, EFFAT), and Paul Sergiu Didicescu (Head of Division, EU CAP Network). Each shared their directorates’ missions and priorities, discussing topics such as agricultural policy, sustainable development, and strategic agricultural plans.

Day two saw presentations from Antoine Hoxha (Director General, Fertilizers Europe) and Nick Vangheluwe (Manager Research Policy, Euroseeds), who contributed further insights into industry-specific challenges and developments. Throughout the event, researchers from 20 COST Actions presented their work, highlighting innovative approaches to agriculture’s complex issues and fostering networking opportunities for shared expertise.

The second day concluded with six interactive discussion sessions, where participants collaborated in small groups to tackle key questions in agricultural research and policy. These sessions culminated in group presentations, showcasing collective insights and potential solutions.

In a final summary session, participants celebrated the collaborative achievements and connections made over the two days, which opened doors for new partnerships and solidified a shared commitment to transformative progress in agriculture. For REACT4MED, the event provided a pivotal platform to advance its mission and forge valuable, long-lasting connections in the agricultural community.