France Event - Spring 2025

We hosted our third in-person, invite only, CALF event in Paris on the 20th of March 2025 under Chatham House Rule, which was about exploring the complex dynamics between national advocacy efforts and European policy priorities in shaping the future of food and farming.We hosted around 50 high-level key stakeholders (animal welfare, food and climate NGOs, academics, public affairs agencies, corporates, investors) influencing sustainable and animal friendly food systems in France. We had two keynote speeches followed by 5 panelists ​and 5 break out rooms​ sessions to discuss topics in depth and find solutions. We ended the event by eating lunch all together and sharing key findings that were discussed in the break out rooms. Keynote speeches: Analysis of France's role within the EU in the context of sustainable food systems:x

• "Analysis of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) : implementation, outcomes, and France as a Driver in the EU Legislative Process" by Julia Christian, Forests and Agriculture Campaigner, FERN

• “France’s Pivotal Role in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Reform” by Faustine Bas-Defossez, Director for Nature, Health and Environment, European Environmental Bureau (EEB)

Panel discussion: "Different perspectives shaping sustainable agriculture in France, with a focus on its role within the EU”

• Anna Handschuh, CEO, Future Affairs Consulting

• Aurélie Catallo, Director for France of the "Agriculture and Food Policies" programme, IDDRI

• Nicolas Dhers, Founder, InterVeg France

• Ronan Groussier, Agricultural Lead, Réseau Action Climat

• Sabine Bonnot, Head of Science and purpose, Planet Score

Moderator:

• Alice Di Concetto, Director, The European Institute for Animal Law & Policy

Break-out rooms: Break-out room 1: Navigating France's Political Landscape in the EU Context: Lobbying in a Right-Leaning Majority Government Break-out room 2: Strengthening Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration Across Civil Society in France and the EU Break-out room 3: International Trade, Food Sovereignty: Aligning Projects with Global Trade Realities Break-out room 4: The Role of Alternative Proteins and Novel Food in driving the EU’s Food System Forward Break-out room 5: Corporate Campaigns & Private Sector Lobbying: Influencing Food Distribution in France and Across the EU.