Programme

Welcome day

30 September 17-20h

The North American - EU Agricultural Conference will kick off with a welcome cocktail – Italian aperitivo style, to allow for the participant to pick up their registration packages and get acquainted.

Day 1

1st October

Welcome speech by Italian hosts

Damien O'Reilly

Moderator

Massimiliano Giansanti

Copa and Confagricoltura President

Cristiano Fini

President of Cia-Agricoltori Italiani

Ettore Prandini

President Coldiretti

Antonello Capua

President of AGCI

Raffaele Drei

National President of Confcooperative Fedagripesca

Cristian Maretti

President of Legacoop Agroalimentare

08:30

start

09:15

end

Keynote and institutional addresses

Francesco Lollobrigida

Italian Agriculture Minister

09:15

start

09:40

end

Coffee break

09:40

start

10:00

end

Current global and production challenges

Mary Robinson - Moderator

Canadian Senator

Maurizio Martina - Keynote speaker

Deputy Director-General, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Jorge Esteve - Panelist

NA: Mexico – President of CNA

Pedro Barato Triguero - Panelist

Copa Vice President

Eric Mayberry - Panelist

Tennessee Farm Bureau President

INTRODUCTION: Kendall Palmer, Senior Director Strategic Initiatives - CORTEVA
With farmers and agri-cooperatives around the world confronted by unprecedented pressures from climate change, soaring energy prices, labour shortages and the spectre of scarcity (availability and affordability) in farm inputs, this panel will examine how this increased volatility, and inflated expenses affect farm profitability and competitiveness.

10:00

start

11:30

end

Lunch and breakout sessions

1.North America - EU Trade Trends and USMCA Revision
Lead: American Farm Bureau Federation

This breakout session will discuss the challenges and opportunities for agricultural trade for North America and the European Union. The required ‘review ‘of the U.S.-Mexico-Canda Agreement will take place in a changing trade environment. Discussions are underway on the issues to be covered and the range of the USMCA review. The many pressing issues in the North American trade relationship, such as tariffs, biotechnology, and climate related sustainability practices, are also of direct impact to the ongoing trade relationship and discussions with the European Union.

2. Data & Agriculture
Lead: Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA)

This breakout session will convene policymakers, farmers, industry leaders, and agri-tech experts to explore how data and innovation are transforming agriculture in North America and the EU. Discussions will focus on building farmer-centric data ecosystems, improving digital infrastructure, and addressing challenges like interoperability and data ownership. The session will also examine how agricultural data can support climate goals, sustainability, and equitable access to innovation, while highlighting opportunities for international collaboration on governance and standards.

3. Labour in Agriculture: Strengthening Social Dialogue and Decent Rural Employment
Lead: Copa Geopa and CAN -National Agricultural Council of Mexico

This session will focus on improving labour conditions in agriculture, with an emphasis on decent rural employment and structured social dialogue; key issues include fair wages and social protection. As mechanisation automation, robotization and digitalisation reshape the sector, upskilling the rural workforce becomes increasingly urgent. Migration and the rights of seasonal and migrant workers will also be discussed. The session will highlight good practices in social dialogue, occupational safety, and responsible business conduct in agri-food chains—especially for products like fruit, vegetables and coffee—to promote decent work and uphold labour standards across borders.

12:00

start

13:15

end

Agri-Food trade in a global context

Rodd Moesel - Moderator

Chair of AFBF Trade Committee

Keith Currie - Panelist

President of the CFA

Nikolaus Berlakovich - Panelist

Copa Vice-President

Johana Hill - Keynote speaker

WTO Deputy Director General

INTRODUCTION: Nicola Bertinelli, President of Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium
The agri-food markets are increasingly shaped by geopolitical tensions, inflation, and trade barriers. This panel will (building up on the global challenges presented in the previous session) examine the multilateral trade implications in the current geo-political context. Panellists will explore current dynamics and discuss the role of policy in mitigating these challenges which are forecasted to persist into the future, as well as other necessary tools to ensure more frictionless agri-food trade.

13:30

start

15:00

end

Coffee break

15:00

start

15:30

end

Technology, Sustainability and Innovation

Diane Zune - Moderator

CORTEVA EU Government Affairs Manager – EU Parliament Relations and North Europe

Michelle Bekkering - Keynote speaker

Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, USDA

Leonardo Pofferi - Panelist

Cogeca Vice President

Luis Fernando Haro Encinas - Panelist

General Director of the National Agricultural Council of Mexico

INTRODUCTION: Mariateresa Maschio, President of FederUnacoma

This panel would focus on addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation, such as IPM, pest management and focusing on sustainable solutions for the future with link to research, innovation. The panel would explore most important sustainability initiatives and key policies across North America and the EU, looking at how they reconcile environment, social and economic sustainability. The panel will discuss the role of policy in promoting cooperation and incentivising innovation to advance sustainability.

15:30

start

17:00

end

Conclusions first day

Christopher Hansen

European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food

17:00

start

17:30

end

Gala Dinner

19:30

start

23:00

end

Day 2

2nd October

Market dynamics & consumer trends

Isabel Basto - Moderator

Head of Brussels office, Confagri

Harry Smit - Keynote

Senior Analyst - RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness

René Roy - Panelist

NA: President of Pork Council of Canada

Agnieszka Maliszewska - Panelist

Cogeca Vice President

This panel will explore how evolving consumer preferences are shaping agricultural production in the EU and North America, from the rise of alternative proteins to the challenges in embrace of agri-technologies. Key topics include labelling, digital traceability, and the challenges of aligning consumer expectations with policy and production realities. Key insights will be shared into the opportunities and trade-offs facing farmers, cooperatives, and policymakers alike.

08:30

start

10:00

end

Coffee break

10:00

start

10:30

end

Farm policies and tools for ensuring resilience of agricultural systems

Rogelio Garcia Moreno - Moderator

Vicepresidente CNA

Søren Søndergaard - Panelist

Copa Vice President

Guillaume Gruère - Keynote speaker

Head of Agriculture and Resource Policies Division

Zippy Duvall - Panelist

President - American Farm Bureau

INTRODUCTION: Sarah Brown, Head of Public and Governmental Affairs, North America, BASF
Building up on the experiences and knowledge shared in previous panels, the closing panel is to reflect on the “ways forward” and tools and policies necessary to ensure greater food supply globally, such as risk management, food-chain resilience and crisis preparedness, for a sector that can respond better to geopolitical tensions, market volatilities, consumer demands and climatic pressures.

10:30

start

12:00

end

Closing speech

Lennart Nilsson

Cogeca President

Damien O'Reilly

Moderator


● Final greetings – Italian Hosts
● Announcement of next NA-EU Conference (CNA – Mexico)
● Final information for farm visits

12:00

start

12:30

end

Lunch break

12:30

start

13:30

end

Technical Farm Visits

13:30

start

18:30

end

Technical Visits

2nd October

Visits organised by Confagricoltura, CIA, Coldiretti and Alleanza Cooperative Italiane

*The visits will take place near Lake Como. Details and further information will be provided in the upcoming weeks.
**The visits cost 50 € per person and will be included in the registration fee for EU participants.

Mondelli Floricoltura


Growing with Passion Since 1969

For over 55 years, Mondelli Floricoltura has been a trusted name in the cultivation and wholesale of ornamental plants. Based in Montorfano and Albese, near Como, this family-run business combines tradition and innovation to deliver a wide range of high-quality green and flowering plants.
With state-of-the-art nurseries and greenhouses, the company offers seasonal plants, geraniums, azaleas, citrus plants, succulents, and more tailored to suit every season and occasion. Their team of experts ensures personalized service, including weekly on-site visits and deliveries to customers.
Discover the beauty of Mondelli Floricoltura—where quality, care, and nature flourish together.

Mondelli Floricoltura website

Casale Roccolo


Organic Goat Cheese from the Hills of Lake Como

Founded in 2006 in the green hills of Binago near Lake Como, Casale Roccolo is a family-run organic farm dedicated to crafting exceptional goat cheeses. From humble beginnings with 35 Alpine goats, the farm has grown to over 150 animals, raised ethically and sustainably, and fed with carefully selected forage to produce milk of outstanding quality.
In the on-site dairy, over 20 varieties of raw milk cheeses are handcrafted, alongside yoghurt and ricotta, using traditional methods to preserve flavour and authenticity. Casale Roccolo’s dedication has earned international acclaim, including multiple medals at the prestigious World Cheese Awards and recognition from the Accademia Italiana della Cucina.
Loved by families, top chefs, and boutique hotels alike, Casale Roccolo brings the taste of genuine craftsmanship to every table.

Casale Roccolo website

Latteria Sociale Valtellina


Alpine Dairy Tradition Since 1969

Based in Delebio in the heart of the Italian Alps, Latteria Sociale Valtellina is a farmer-owned cooperative uniting over 120 local farms. With a strong commitment to quality, sustainability, and tradition, it transforms premium mountain milk into award-winning cheeses and dairy products.
The cooperative specialises in Valtellina Casera DOP and Bitto DOP cheeses, alongside a wide selection of fresh milk, butter, ricotta, yoghurt, and goat milk products. Every stage of production is carefully managed to ensure full traceability and excellence, combining traditional know-how with modern innovation.
Latteria Sociale Valtellina is proud to bring the authentic taste of the mountains to homes, restaurants, and gourmet retailers across Italy and beyond.

Latteria Sociale Valtellina website

Azienda Agricola Sorsasso


A Family Passion Rooted in Lake Como

Nestled in the hills of Domaso, overlooking the northern shores of Lake Como, Azienda Agricola Sorsasso is a family-run winery led by Roberta and Daniele Travi. The estate blends artisanal care with innovation, reviving ancient winemaking traditions while embracing sustainability.
The vineyards stretch across over 10 hectares, cultivating both native and international grape varieties on historic terraces. Each bottle reflects the unique lake microclimate and rich heritage of the region.
Sorsasso offers award-winning wines, extra virgin olive oil, and traditional grappas, alongside immersive experiences such as tastings, vineyard tours, and agritourism stays. A modern biomass system also highlights the estate’s commitment to renewable energy and environmental stewardship.

Azienda Agricola Sorsasso website