Join us on the 18 April 14.00-15.30 in Brussels (Renewable Energy House, Rue d’Arlon 63/67) for an engaging debate: “Feeding the Future: Regional Perspectives on Agriculture and Rural Development in Europe“.

AER and the Province of Gelderland are inviting regional representatives, institutional stakeholders, farmers, and rural actors to engage in a lively discussion on the future EU agricultural and rural development policies.

The debate will explore the prospects for a new era in farming and rural policy in Europe, focusing on the opportunities to build a more resilient, sustainable, prosperous and inclusive future as we move through the digital and green transition. It will serve as an opportunity to understand what European regions, farmers and rural communities need from the future EU Common Agricultural Policy, setting the stage for discussions on shaping a policy and support framework that aligns with the evolving needs of our people – who need healthy and affordable food – our agricultural sector and our rural areas.

Confirmed Speakers

Harold Zoet, Regional Minister of the Province of Gelderland and Chair of the AER Task Force on Agriculture and Regional Development
Isilda Gomes, Chair of the European Committee of the Regions’ Commission for Natural Resources and Rapporteur on “Future of the Common Agricultural Policy”
Rūdolfs Pulkstenis, Vice President, CEJA – European Council of Young Farmers
Raschad Al-Khafaji, Director of the FAO Liaison Office with the European Union and Belgium
Ricard Ramón i Sumoy, Deputy Head of Unit for policy perspectives, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission

You can find more details in the concept note HERE.

Don’t miss this chance to contribute to the conversation shaping the future of Agriculture and Rural Development in Europe.

Register HERE.

Refreshments and networking opportunities will be available following the debate, and we invite you to stay and engage further. The debate will be organised by the AER Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Development chaired by Harold Zoet, Regional Minister of the Province of Gelderland, as part of the MEET project. 

About the MEET Project

With Europe at a crossroads at the end of the Conference on the Future of Europe and in the middle of the implementation of the Green Deal and the digitalisation agenda, active European citizens must be at the forefront. In the period before the upcoming European elections, the MEET project offers space for diverse groups of European citizens to bring Europe to local level through a diverse set of activities encouraging continuous activism and interaction with European politicians. The project is led by the European Youth Forum (YFJ), and AER participates as a partner.

MEET meaningfully contributes to a depolarised and less-tense democratic space. This allows more participation, and more respect and understanding of others’ positions, ultimately helping revive the flagging belief in democracy as a system.

Check out the MEET project page for more information and future events!

The MEET project is funded by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) 2021-2027 programme of the European Union.