• H2020
• Societal Challenges
• Bioeconomy

The research and innovation challenges associated with agriculture and rural areas are due to be discussed at a conference on 26-28 January.

At the conference, the main elements of a long term strategy for EU agricultural research and innovation will be presented and a discussion of its practical implementation held.

An audience of around 400 participants is expected, among them scientists (mainly from the fields of agriculture, food and rural research), relevant science networks, stakeholders (farmers, up and downstream industries and retailers, civil society organisations, European organisations), international organisations (the Food and Agricultural Organization, etc.) and authorities (member states and main partner third countries).

The conference will be structured in two parts. Over 26 January and the following morning, four half-day pre-events and one launching celebration will be organised by European Commission partners to discuss particular issues of importance to prepare for the main conference debates.

The pre-events are by invitation only and with limited capacity.

The main conference will begin on the afternoon of 27 January and conclude the following day.  It will be opened by Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Phil Hogan, who is expected to introduce the strategic approach to EU agricultural research and innovation. Plenary sessions will follow, as well as two rounds of parallel sessions.

Participation in the main conference is open. To register free-of-charge, go to the Horizon 2020 website before Friday 15 January.

You can keep up with the conference online by following on Twitter.