The Future of Agriculture and Forestry in Europe: implications for
Life Science Universities
to be held on 25 and 26 October
at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Croatia
A: The goal of the ICA’s Rectors and Deans Forums
This annual ICA Forum, for Rectors, Presidents, Deans, and senior academic and management staff in life science Universities in Europe, aims to provide these university decision makers from ICA’s member universities with the opportunity to meet, to discuss current issues in the bioeconomy and life sciences, and to exchange views on these issues with relevant stakeholders in industry, government and NGOs.
B: Forum Focus
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, in January 2024 launched the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture (SDEU), a new forum mandated to shape a shared vision for the future of the EU's farming and food system. She posed four questions:
- How can we give our farmers, and the rural communities they live in, a better perspective, including a fair standard of living?
- How can we support agriculture within the boundaries of our planet and its ecosystem?
- How can we make better use of the immense opportunities offered by knowledge and technological innovation?
- How can we promote a bright and thriving future for Europe's food system in a competitive world?
This dialogue has been launched against the background of increasing pressure on farmers income and the challenge to farmers to adopt practices which support nature conservation. Both these challenges are against the background of the policy to meet the net zero by 2050. There are several policy documents arising from the EU Commission which aim to support this transition: the overarching Green Deal, the Farm to Fork Strategy, the Bioeconomy Strategy and the EU Biodiversity Strategy. We are also challenged by the recent CoP 28 declaration on sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems and climate action, the successor to CoP 21 in Paris,
Through interdisciplinary research endeavours, life science universities provide valuable insights into sustainable agricultural practices, biodiversity conservation, and the integration of emerging technologies like biotechnology and precision agriculture. Moreover, our universities develop the next generation of agricultural leaders, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of modern agriculture while emphasizing environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
The aim of the Rectors and Deans Forum is to discuss and evaluate the outcomes of the SDEU for their impact on life science universities’ research, innovation and education programmes. In particular, to assess the relationship of the SDEU outcomes to the EU strategies to address climate change and bending the curve for biodiversity, in the context of supporting viable agricultural and forestry industries and ensuring food security. In addition, the aim is to reflect on how universities currently engage with the EU Commission in the development of policy and how that engagement might be further enhanced.
C: Expected Outcomes
The delegates will take back to their universities’ prospects on:
- How the outcomes of the SDEU may determine future policy at the EU level to support a viable agricultural industry and ensuring food security against the backdrop of moving to net zero emissions by 2050, bending the curve of biodiversity and implementing the forest strategy.
- The opportunities for life science universities to engage in and support science based policy development and implementation at the European level
- Developing successful partnerships with industry leaders to bridge the gap between academia and practical agricultural solutions, thereby enhancing the impact of research and education.
D: Target Audience
The forum is primarily aimed at Rectors, Presidents, Deans, and senior academic and management staff in life science universities relating to the sustainable circular bioeconomy. In addition, academic/faculty staff and degree programme coordinators are encouraged to participate.