European Parliament, Brussels (BE), 20^th February 2024

In the middle of February, the European Food Forum held this event to discuss how digitalization is reshaping the agrifood value chain and explore the benefits and risks.

Digitalization is revolutionizing ways in which products are produced, processed, distributed, and purchased. This transformation brings with it a range of opportunities including increased efficiency, optiming use of resources and reducing waste. There are opportunities for greater connection between farmers and other actors in the value chain, leading to higher incomes and better livelihoods for farmers, and support for more sustainable farming practices, minimizing environmental impact. For citizens, there are apps to help with reservations and payments, access to additional information (e.g., QR codes). In contrast, however, digital skills are low in some sectors including farming and amongst older citizens. There are also concerns about privacy and security of information as well as the use artificial intelligence.

Thus, while the digitalization of the agrifood sector offers significant opportunities for improving efficiency andsustainability, it also presents challenges, not least in inclusivity. Navigating this digital transformation will require collaboration amongst stakeholders, investment in infrastructure and education, and a commitment to addressing issues of equity and privacy.

Speakers included:

Panel 1: Overview of the role and impact of the digitalization in the food environment

• Giacomo Mattino’ HoU Food, Retail, Health DG Growth EU Commission: Transition pathway for a more resilient, sustainable and digital agri-food ecosystem:
• Antonello Bonfante, Senior researcher ISAFOM di Portici (NA).
• Heinz Flatnitzer, Head of Emissions Value Management, dsm-firmenich, Sustell™ Use of data to simplify the complexity of measuring, validating, and improving the environmental sustainability.
• Claude Heyman – Aktina – Food scanner

Panel 2: Digitalisation in Food Consumption

• Diego Viarengo – Giallo Zafferano – Gastronomy in the Internet
• Pietro Paganini – “Food” The future of food with digitalization
• Marco Pierani – Euroconsumers