Innovation Conference
● Date & time: 13 October 2025, 17:00-19:00
● Place: European Parliament (room 6Q1) & online
● Host MEP: Stefan KÖHLER, EPP
The ELO Innovation Conference brought together EU policymakers, researchers, farmers, and industry leaders to discuss how biocontrol and new genomic techniques (NGTs) can strengthen the sustainability, competitiveness, and resilience of European agriculture.
Innovation is key! Biocontrol and new genomic techniques (NGTs) can build climate resilience, and give EU agriculture a competitive edge. Yet both remain stuck in regulatory and political limbo, delaying access for farmers and SMEs.
This conference is organized by the European Landowners’ Organization (ELO) together with CropLife Europe, with the support of the European People’s Party (EPP).
PROGRAMME
| 16:30_17:00 | Participants’ registration |
| 17:00_17:10 | Welcoming address: MEP Stefan Köhler, EPP |
| 17:10_18:00 | Session 1 Biocontrol and legislative hurdles – clearing the path for innovation: The discussion will assess the current state of EU authorisation processes, the upcoming simplification package, and what legislative changes are essential to speed up approval without compromisingsafety. The panel will explore immediate actions to create a functioning single market for biocontrol while also considering longer-term solutions that safeguard the sector, foster innovation, and make the regulatory framework truly future-proof. Speakers: ● Alain Thibault, Chairman, Agriodor ● Klaus Berend, Director Food Safety, Sustainability & Innovation, DG SANTE ● MEP Stefan Köhler, European People’s Party ● Kristiina Digryte, Permanent Representation of Estonia to the EU |
| 18:00_18:50 | Session 2: NGTs– breaking the deadlock: This session will examine the stalled NGT proposal, the reasons behind the legislative gridlock. The panel will explore potential policy solutions to break the current legislative deadlock, focusing on how NGTs can become a real tool in the farmers’ toolbox, rather than remain trapped in political limbo. Speakers: ● Olivier De Matos, Director General, CropLife Europe ● Garlich von Essen, Secretary General, Euroseeds ● Jose Maria Castilla, Asaja: Asociación Agraria Jóvenes Agricultores ● Hilde Nelissen, Researcher, VIB – Ghent University |
| 18:50_19:00 | Closing high-level dialogue ● Jurgen Tack, Secretary General, European Landowners’ Organization ● Macy Merriman, EU Government Affairs Consultant |
