Presented by GFarm for Life

As global environmental thresholds approach critical levels, the agricultural and food sector assumes a crucial role in the urgent pursuit of solutions. The endeavor to establish a carbon-neutral food ecosystem involves the shared aspiration to integrate principles of sustainability with the objective of ensuring food security. Panel brings together prominent scholars and experts from around the world to explore the various approaches, partnerships, and strategies that are reshaping the food industry towards a more environmentally sustainable trajectory.

Objectives:

1. Examine the intricate web of carbon footprints across the agrifood value chain.
2. Discuss innovative strategies that champion carbon neutrality from farm to fork.
3. Highlight synergistic collaborations across industries, sectors, and nations.
4. Unpack the challenges and barriers obstructing a carbon-neutral agrifood transition.
5. Envision the future landscape of a fully sustainable global food ecosystem.

As technology and biology converge, the definition of ‘food’ is undergoing a radical transformation. Panel delves deep into the realm of lab-grown foods, from meat to dairy, questioning their place in our diets, cultures, and ecosystems. Bringing together experts, critics, and consumers, this panel aims to address the controversies, possibilities, and concerns attached to these novel food innovations.

Objectives:

1. To decipher the science and technology behind the production of lab-made foods.
2. Understand the societal, cultural, and individual implications of adopting these novel food sources.
3. Evaluate the nutritional integrity of lab-grown foods compared to their traditional counterparts.
4. Navigate the regulatory landscape and assess the safety protocols associated with these innovations.

With the global population projected to near 10 billion by 2050, the agrifood sector is on the brink of its next big revolution. But how do we fund it? Panel explores groundbreaking financial strategies, from impact investing to innovation competitions, that aim to infuse capital into promising agrifood projects and startups, catalyzing transformative change.

Objectives:

1. Illuminate the significance of strategic funding in realizing the full potential of agrifood innovations.
2. Explore diverse financial mechanisms tailored to the unique needs and challenges of the agrifood sector.
3. Highlight the role of global collaborations, institutions, and private entities in shaping the future of agrifood financing.
4. Foster a dialogue on ensuring equitable access to funds, especially for grassroots innovations and marginalized communities.

Presented by Forest 4.0

Forests, covering approximately 31% of our planet’s land area, not only sustain countless species but also anchor the global climate system. These “lungs of the Earth” sequester vast amounts of carbon dioxide and play a pivotal role in maintaining the planet’s ecological balance. As climate challenges mount, understanding and protecting these vital ecosystems becomes increasingly crucial. The “Forests at the Forefront” panel delves deep into the symbiosis between forests and the global climate, underscoring the game-changing role of data. By utilizing cutting-edge technology and data analysis, global communities are revolutionizing forest management, conservation, and restoration practices.

Objectives:

1. Illuminate the multifaceted role of forests in global climate regulation.
2. Discuss innovative data collection and analysis methodologies in forestry.
3. Showcase successful data-driven interventions that have bolstered forestry sustainability
4. Explore global collaborations in forest data, fostering a unified approach to tackle climate challenges.

Food producers, like society as a whole, have faced complex challenges in recent years: the COVID 19 pandemic, the effects of climate change, the war in Ukraine started by Russia, and now the conflict in the Middle East. Whatever the crises in Europe or Lithuania, the food industry will have to deliver on its core mission – to provide people with safe, quality food. The main question of this panel discussion is whether we, i.e. the Lithuanian food industry, are sufficiently prepared for a crisis situation? Should food industry be considered an integral part of an effective national defence system? National implementation and EU-wide coordination? Is food industry essential in view of coordinated efforts to reach high levels of preparedness? Are we identifying and learning lessons from experience in the war zones?

Objectives:

1. To review the context in which food industry companies are currently operating – throughout European Union, and the world.
2. To assess the complexity of supply chains and the bottlenecks that may arise in the face of crises.
3. To discuss the opportunities and potential of the food industry for effective preparedness in the face of challenges and uncertainty to secure food supply. 
4. To explore with food producers, Government institutions representatives, and crisis experts, what are the next steps towards a more coordinated and integral approach in national defence from a food security perspective.

The intersection of agrifood systems and socio-economic factors forms a nexus that’s pivotal for the future of sustainable development. Panel delves into the myriad socio-economic implications of agrifood sustainability, exploring how the quest for a more sustainable food system influences and is influenced by socio-economic dynamics. This panel brings together a diverse blend of experts, from agronomists to economists, to shed light on the challenges, opportunities, and intricate relationships between agrifood initiatives and socio-economic outcomes.

Objectives:

1. Understand the multifaceted relationship between agrifood sustainability and socio-economic structures.
2. Highlight the potential of sustainable agrifood systems in driving socio-economic advancements.
3. Address the challenges and barriers faced by marginalized communities in accessing the benefits of sustainable agrifood initiatives.
4. Discuss policy frameworks, incentives, and collaborations that can ensure a more equitable agrifood future.

The fusion of technology and agriculture heralds a transformative era in the agrifood sector. As the world grapples with challenges like population growth, climate change, and resource constraints, integrating advanced technologies into agrifood systems is not just innovative – it’s imperative. “AgriTech Nexus” offers a deep dive into the technological innovations shaping the future of food, from precision farming to blockchain in supply chains. By assembling thought leaders, innovators, and stakeholders, this panel seeks to spotlight the technologies driving efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in the agrifood sector.

Objectives:

1. Examine the emerging technological trends in the agrifood landscape.
2. Understand the impacts and potential of these technologies in enhancing productivity, sustainability, and traceability.
3. Address the challenges, adoption barriers, and ethical considerations surrounding agritech applications.
4. Explore the collaborations, investments, and policies fueling the agritech revolution.