<p>At the annual conference of the Network of European Regions for Innovation in Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ERIAFF), European regions come together in Amsterdam. Not as isolated actors, but as a network working collectively on the future of agriculture, food systems and land use in Europe. This is where regional practice meets European direction-setting.</p><p>The conference was opened by Regional Minister Jelle Beemsterboer, alongside a video message from European Commissioner Christophe Hansen, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration in Europe’s food and land-use transitions.</p><h2>From regional practice to European collaboration</h2><p>Led by Carlo Verhart, the programme focuses on how resilient food systems are built in practice. Topics such as agroforestry, nature-based solutions and new economic perspectives for farmers and rural communities take centre stage.</p><p>A key theme throughout is interregional cooperation: regions accelerating innovation together and increasing the impact of European programmes.</p><h2>Contribution from East Netherlands</h2><p>Partners from East Netherlands actively contribute to the programme. Marjolein Brasz (Foodvalley NL) takes the stage as a keynote speaker, and the Province of Overijssel hosts a breakout session.</p><p>In addition, an excursion features six companies from East Netherlands and the Foodvalley region, showcasing their approaches and innovations and connecting regional practice directly to European collaboration.</p><h2>More than a conference</h2><p>For participating regions and working groups, ERIAFF is more than a moment of exchange. It is a platform where knowledge leads to new partnerships and where regions actively contribute to shaping the European agenda on food and land-use transitions.</p><p>ERIAFF Annual Conference 2026 | Amsterdam</p>

ERIAFF 2026 | European regions shaping the future of agriculture and food