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Agrinatura Conference 2026

Download Agrinatura 2026 Conference Programme here

The Conference of Agrinatura took place on 26–27 May 2026 at the University of Reading, under the theme “Anticipating Change and the Role of Research in Shaping Future Food Systems.”

The Agrinatura Conference 2026, hosted by the University of Reading, took place on 26-27 June 2026 brought together more than 100 European and international experts to examine how research can help shape future food systems amid rapid global change.
Discussions focused on emerging geopolitical, economic, technological, and environmental trends affecting agriculture and food security. Participants from research networks, policymaking institutions, civil society, and the private sector across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America exchanged perspectives on future priorities.
The conference highlighted the need to scale innovations, build strategic alliances, strengthen private-sector engagement, and mobilise new investment mechanisms.
Speakers emphasised the importance of generating robust evidence to support effective policymaking and development strategies. Stronger science–policy interfaces, equitable partnerships, and increased dialogue were identified as key to addressing complex global challenges.
Participants stressed the value of connecting local and global innovators and promoting interdisciplinary approaches to research and development. Particular attention was given to preparing the next generation of scientists with skills relevant to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
The discussions reinforced the central role of research and innovation in driving sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food system transformation. The conference concluded with inspiring examples of innovation and entrepreneurship demonstrating how research can generate impact at scale and contribute to meaningful societal change.
The programme was structured around three progressive moments.
  • The first part identified key signals already reshaping global food systems and research agendas, followed by an exploration of plausible futures and transformation pathways towards 2035–2050.
  • The second part of the conference featured parallel thematic groups, enabling discussions on topics such as multi-actor innovation, foresight and scenario planning, climate resilience, digital and data-enabled food systems, research–policy interfaces, and shifts in global trade and markets. Equity, inclusion and the valorisation of local knowledge run as cross-cutting themes across all sessions.
  • The final plenary translated these reflections into strategic choices for research institutions, partnerships and networks, focusing on how research and education must evolve to remain relevant, credible and impactful in a rapidly changing global context.

The format combined plenary debates, panel discussions, interactive sessions and collective synthesis moments, ensuring broad participation and exchange among members and partners.

 

Background

Global food systems are undergoing profound transformations driven by climate change, geopolitical shifts, digitalisation, demographic change, evolving markets and new societal expectations. At the same time, research and innovation systems are themselves under pressure to adapt — institutionally, methodologically and strategically.

The Agrinatura Annual Conference 2026 explored:

  • What changes are already reshaping food systems;
  • What futures are emerging and which transformation pathways are plausible;
  • What this means for research, partnerships and action.

At the centre of the discussions was the evolving role of Research & Innovation (R&I) and Education in shaping equitable and resilient food systems, with particular attention to Africa–Europe collaboration and global partnerships.

The thematic tracks included the Abstracts received from members and partners and were structured along three key topics:

Thematic track 1: Multi-actor innovation and private sector engagement

Thematic track 2: Climate change, resilience, and adaptation

Thematic track 3: Research–policy interfaces, and Africa–Europe collaboration  

The poster’s sessions were highly interactive.

Conference Programme

Download it here