Highlights from the Recent Seed Summit 2024: SEED THE FUTURE: Tackle the agri-food challenges together

The Seed Summit Conference, a prominent event held recently in Prague by Cats2Cats, gathered experts, innovators, and thought leaders to discuss pressing issues and opportunities within the agri-food sector. With a robust program and distinguished speakers, the conference became a hub for groundbreaking discussions, particularly on the intersection of sustainability, gender equality, and innovation in agri-food systems.

A Glimpse into the Program

The conference agenda featured diverse topics such as sustainable agriculture, digital transformation, and inclusive practices. A highlight was Panel 1: Gender Aspects of the Agri-food Sector, which explored the often-overlooked gender dimensions critical to shaping equitable and sustainable practices in the industry.

Other key sessions included:

• Strategies for resilient food systems
• Innovations in seed science and sustainable practices
• Addressing global food security challenges through partnerships

Spotlight on Keynote Speaker Jana Mazancová

Jana Mazancová, the Czech University of Life Sciences (CZU), delivered an inspiring keynote during Panel 1. Her talk underscored the importance of integrating gender equality and diversity into the agri-food sector, emphasizing the role of women in rural communities and their empowerment as a cornerstone of sustainable development.

With over two decades of experience, dr. Mazancová has been at the forefront of applied research and action on socio-economic aspects of waste-to-energy approaches in Europe and developing nations. Her global teaching experiences in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, coupled with her leadership in over 30 EU- and Czechia-funded development projects, make her a trailblazer in the fields of sustainability and gender equality in rural development.

Her dedication extends to implementing the Horizon Europe AGRIGEP project, which promotes gender equality in research and innovation across six European universities. She also serves on the CZU Gender Equality Plan working group and various expert bodies, championing equity and inclusion in academia and beyond.

Celebrating Collaborative Success

The Seed Summit Conference exemplified the power of collective expertise and shared visions in addressing global challenges. Attendees left inspired to implement inclusive and sustainable practices in their work, reaffirming the critical need for collaboration across disciplines and borders.

For more information about the conference program and speakers, visit the Seed Summit website