EU agri-food standards and organic food and drink seminar coming to Dubai

The European Union (EU) is holding a special seminar on EU standards for agri-food products on 13-14 December 2022 at Dubai’s Grand Millennium Business Bay Hotel, with the objective to promote among others, the high safety and quality standards of its agri-food production systems among GCC consumers and business sector.

The interactive event will offer the GCC’s F&B industry professionals networking opportunities, complete with a live cooking show and reception, alongside two action-packed days of presentations and roundtable discussions with expert speakers.

Exploring real-world business opportunities, the sessions will take a deep dive into the EU’s proven approach to delivering safe and sustainable food, including specific production methods focused on organic production, product-specific breakout sessions, and business perspectives from those with first-hand experience in this exciting area.

EU experts to speak about produce

The programme will feature presentations from EU representatives on the sustainability and safety of EU agri-food production, including the EU Green Deal, Farm to Fork Strategy and introductions to EU policies on food safety, animal welfare, plant health and food traceability, as well as sessions on the trade opportunities arising from organic farming and geographical indications.

French Chef Junior Nadje will bring the discussion to life with a cooking show and a menu featuring agri-food products from across EU’s 27 Member States, giving participants an unmissable chance to sample and experience them for themselves.

His Excellency Andrea Matteo Fontana, EU Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and GCC representatives will officially get day one underway on the morning of 13 December, before speakers take the stage for dedicated sessions and roundtables covering:

• Opportunities and challenges of EU-GCC trade relations
• Sustainability of EU agri-food production
• Food safety in the EU at a glance
• Safe and sustainable trade of animal products

Day two will then resume with presentations and roundtables covering:

• EU management system for pesticides, residues and chemicals
• EU quality policy on Geographical Indications (GI)
• Breakout business-focused sessions on milk and dairy products; fruits and vegetables, olive oil and vegetable fats; live animals and meat products; processed agricultural products

The event will conclude with a roundtable debate on ‘How to boost EU-GCC trade in agri-food products?’, and a reception hosted by HE Andrea Matteo Fontana.

The EU expects attendees to not only take away a deeper understanding of the EU’s latest initiatives when it comes to sustainable and organic food but also gain valuable insights into future developments and market trends.