February 26, 2019

New leadership for European Agri-Food Chain Coalition

The Agri-Food Chain Coalition (AFCC), a joint initiative which supports sustainable and innovative policies that benefit the EU and beyond, has appointed Jacob Hansen, director general of Fertilizers Europe, as its new chair.

Hansen is picking up the chairmanship from European Crop Protection Association's (ECPA) director general, Jean-Philippe Azoulay. He will continue to lead the multi-stakeholder group throughout 2019 to enhance understanding of the European agri-food chain sector's important role and contribution to an innovative and sustainable Europe in light of the new EU Parliament.

In 2018, under the chairmanship of ECPA, AFCC held an event in the European Parliament to look at the contribution of the agri-food chain towards achieving sustainable development goals. AFCC partners have been proud to showcase innovative solutions supporting a more sustainable agri-food sector and attempting to address challenges such as climate change and the growing population, while also meeting food demand and preserving the environment and natural resources.

AFCC partners are aware that sustainability is not a solo journey but rather a common effort towards shared goals. With this in mind, they have developed the new publication "How innovation contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals".

This year, under the chairmanship of Fertilizers Europe, AFCC will continue to build an agenda that involves creating a greater recognition of the role of research and innovation in providing a secure and safe food supply in a sustainable manner, and to encourage the EU to put innovation at the heart of its agri-food policy.

Speaking on behalf of AFCC, Azoulay said: "Chairing the Agri Food Chain Coalition was exciting. It was great to show the contribution our industries make to the SDGs. We can all take pride in our progress, recognising that it is a never-ending journey and that much still has to be improved. With the chair now moving to Jacob at Fertilizers Europe, I am confident we will continue on this journey over the new legislature."

"Ensuring high quality nutritious food for European citizens while preserving natural resources and reducing GHG emissions is not an easy task. Solutions can be found through collaboration and common efforts. I am happy to see that there is high commitment from players in our sector" said Hansen.

- FEFAC