Speaking at the 7th European Innovation Summit1 today, the Agri-Food Chain Coalition – a joint initiative of 11 European trade associations - confirmed support for the ‘innovation principle’ in policy-making to guarantee the long-term competitiveness of the EU agricultural sector.

Europe’s animal health industry, represented by IFAH-Europe in the coalition, highlighted that from a regulatory perspective this is a key time for decision-makers to encourage innovation and increased research into new solutions for preventing and controlling animal diseases.

“With the current revision of the rules governing veterinary medicines and medicated feed we are confident that we can stimulate innovation, ensuring that Europe remains a hub for research and development. Keeping in mind the Europe 2020 strategy for growth, the animal health industry in Europe expects that this new EU legislation will not only safeguard animal health and welfare, but will also help to ensure the necessary tools available to all farmers across Europe to sustain an efficient agri-food production,” said Roxane Feller, IFAH-Europe Secretary General.

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The 7th European Innovation Summit (EIS) will set the stage for the future of innovation in Europe. Taking place from 7-10 December 2015 in the European Parliament in Brussels, the 4-day event will call for a “Pact for Innovation”. The programme of the 7th EIS focuses on key-challenges and opportunities in the field of innovation. The Summit will host numerous sessions and events on Europe’s grand challenges in the innovation sector- including pivotal topics such as energy, industry, environment, agriculture, bio-economy, health, transport, safety and security, quantum computing, and the role of regions and cities

Agri-Food Chain Coalition: A joint initiative representing 11 leading industry associations across the agri-food chain, united in their call for sustainable, solution-orientated and innovative policies that benefit the EU and beyond. Members represent agricultural input industries such as suppliers of machinery, seeds, fertilizers, crop protection, animal health, feed and biotechnology-based products, the agricultural trade, EU farmers and the European food and drink manufacturing sector. Together, these industries account for about 30 million jobs and 3.5% of the EU's gross value added. Our Vision

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