We are happy to invite you to the final event of our project.

Project FRiDGE (Development of food industry SME competitiveness for better potentials in growth) deals with one of the most important aspects of European food and drink industries: SME competitiveness. Throughout the almost four years of cooperation, the project achieved several results: new products were developed, strategies were created or updated and new projects were launched. As the project finally comes to an end in July 2023, we will discuss these and more during our Final Conference. We have invited experts from all Europe to participate in the event discussing not only the project results, but overarching issues in the food sector, such as market reach, or investments.

Both online and personal participation is possible, however, please note that there is a limit for personal participation of 40 persons, so secure your entrance in due time!

Please feel free to register here: forms.gle/37GkF7WHJjawjArA6

The agenda of the day is as follows:

8:45 – 9:00

Arrival at Platz, Budapest (https://goo.gl/maps/qWGYJzsVSKtHFkhJA)

9:00 – 9:05

Welcome speeches (Balázs Kiss, TCDA Nonprofit Ltd.)

9:05 – 9:20

Interreg Europe state of play and future opportunities

9:20 – 9:30

Introducing FRiDGE

9:30 – 10:00

Action Plan presentation of Hungary, Germany, Finland

10:00 – 11:00

Panel 1 – Supporting local producers, increasing visibility and market reach.

Moderator: Hanna Meriläinen (Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, Finland)

Panelists:

- dr. Katalin Kujáni, Kislépték Association, Hungary

- Terhi Välisalo, Rural Women’s Advisory Organization, Finland

- Sarah Levecque, Economic Council of East Flanders, Belgium

- Csilla Fejes, MyFarm Harta, Hungary


11:00 – 11:15

Coffee Break

11:15 – 11:45

Action Plan presentation of Romania, Greece and Belgium

11:45 – 12:30 Panel 2 – Supporting investments and innovation in the food sector.

Moderator: Kostas Karamarkos (University of Western Macedonia, Greece)

Panelists:

- Attila Nagy, Head of Department, Development Policy Department, Ministry of Agriculture

- Ms. Zsófia Kertész, Campden BRI, Hungary

- Mrs. Anna Hartmann, Bavarian Food Cluster, Germany

- Ms. Nathalie Bernaert, ILVO, Belgium

- Silvia Gaiani, Helsinki University / Ruralia Institute, Finland


12:30 – 12:45

Wrapping up

12:45 -

Lunch

The lunch on Friday will be a buffett menu with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

We are excited to see you in Budapest next Friday!