FoodRevolution 2024: A new platform for sustainable food dialogue

From October 21 to 23, 2024, the FoodRevolution 2024 conference took place at the Paganini Congressi center in Parma, Italy. This inaugural event, themed "Conference on sustainable, safe, and healthy new foods,” united experts from academia and industry to discuss the future of food through a comprehensive lens based on the OneHealth approach. The event was held under the esteemed patronage of the University of Parma and the Consiglio dell’Ordine Nazionale dei Tecnologi Alimentari (Italian national council of food technologists).  

The initial idea for this event emerged two years ago from our editor-in-chief, who recognized a gap in the landscape of existing conferences. While numerous events focused on sustainability and innovation within the agri-food supply chain were flourishing, they often catered exclusively to academia or industry, overlooking the essential need to link these two sectors. This realization sparked the vision for FoodRevolution: to create a collaborative platform where academia and industry could converge, sharing insights and strategies that address the challenges of innovative food production. Additionally, the conference aimed to emphasize food safety, a critical component often overlooked in discussions about sustainability and innovation. Given that food safety has been central to Affidia’s mission for years, it was only natural to start this journey from it.  

The 2024 conference attracted 160 attendees and featured 49 presentations that tackled pressing topics in the food sector, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to food production, as well as the need of dietary changes, to counteract the effects of climate change and ensure a more sustainable future for next generations.  

The event attracted not only representatives from universities and companies but also prominent figures from esteemed institutions such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), FoodValley NL, and the Good Food Institute Europe.  

Participants engaged in rich discussions, emphasizing that the path to sustainable food systems requires a multi-faceted approach. From the intricacies of precision fermentation to the challenges posed by new food technologies, the conference provided a platform for exchanging ideas that transcend traditional boundaries.  

Sustainable food futures  

The conference kicked off with a plenary session focused on the urgent need for a sustainable food future. Experts discussed the complexities of delivering food that is not only safe and healthy but also environmentally sustainable. Presentations addressed innovative methodologies for assessing environmental impacts and the role of regenerative agriculture in promoting soil health.  

A recurring theme was the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to realize a holistic vision for food sustainability. This sentiment was echoed throughout the sessions, with many speakers illustrating how working together can lead to innovative solutions that benefit both consumers and the planet.  

The rise of new food products  

The emergence of new food products, particularly plant-based alternatives, was a focal point of the conference. Experts shared insights into precision fermentation, 3D printing technologies, hybrid products, and the regulatory landscape surrounding these innovations.