The event will gather prominent stakeholders from both the EU and Japan to explore sustainable agricultural practices, innovative solutions, and the potential for future trade and collaboration in the agricultural and food sectors. The discussions will focus on themes such as sustainability and innovation in farming, as well as the success of European food and beverages in the Japanese market.
Programme:
- 14:00 – 14:30 Welcome address by Mr Christophe Hansen, EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food and Mr Hirofumi Takinami, State Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
Master of ceremony: Ms Eri Watanabe
- 14:30 – 15:30 Panel discussion 1: Sustainability and Innovation in the Farming and Food Sector
The panel will explore themes linked to sustainable and innovative agriculture in the EU, as well as their significance for the Japanese market expectations and future opportunities for EU-Japan agri-food trade, investment and collaboration.
Moderator: Mr Diego Canga Fano, Acting Deputy Director-General, European Commission Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development
Panel discussion:
- Mr Jean Rummenie, Minister for Fishery, Food Security, Horticulture, Netherlands
- Mr Martin Heydon, Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine, Ireland
- Mr Hirofumi Takinami, State Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan
- Mr Dirk Jacobs, Director-General, Food Drink Europe
Speech: Future-Proof Farming: Innovation Driving Sustainability: Mr Ignas Hofmanas, Minister for Agriculture, Lithuania
- 15:30 – 15:45 Break
- 15:45 – 17:00 Panel discussion 2: Excellency of European Food and Beverages – a Success Story on the Japanese Market
The panel will discuss key aspects of European agri-food products – safety, sustainability, authenticity, quality – with a focus on organic products and geographical indications, their perception in Japan and new opportunities for growth.
Moderator:
Mr Diego Canga Fano, Acting Deputy Director-General, European Commission Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development
Panel discussion:
- Mr Shigeyuki Yagi, President of Bio c' Bon , Japan
- Mr Yanagihara Hiroki, Product Development Division, Kokubu Group Corporation, Japan
- Mr Troels Vensild, Managing Director, Danish Agriculture and Food Council, Denmark
- Ms Rita Liberti, Head Secretary, Consorzio di Tutela Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, Italy
Questions & Answers
- 17:00 – 17:10 Closing remarks by Mr Jean-Eric Paquet, EU Ambassador to Japan
For more information, please visit https://theme-weeks.expo2025.or.jp/en/program/detail/67d33594ea5b0.html
