Harvesting Opportunities: Policy, Twinning, and Agri-Food Value Chains Across the Mediterranean

FromDec 16, 2024 To Dec 16, 2024

Online Webinar

The agri-food sector in the southern Mediterranean is a cornerstone of sustainable development, integrating agricultural production, processing, and distribution to address economic, environmental, and social challenges. Agri-food clusters, which are geographically concentrated networks of producers, processors, and stakeholders, play a pivotal role in fostering innovation, resilience, and cross-regional collaboration. These clusters harness the Mediterranean’s agricultural diversity, rich cultural heritage, and proximity to global markets to create value chains that are competitive and sustainable (OECD, 2020; UNIDO, 2021).

Prominent examples from Tunisia and Morocco shows how traditional farming techniques are blended with advanced processing technologies to enhance global market penetration while preserving cultural practices. Frameworks such as the EU Green Deal support these initiatives by promoting sustainable innovation, value chain integration, and agro-biodiversity conservation (CIHEAM, 2021).

According to a ECF Cluster “Mapster” 1 82 South Med clusters were identified, 17% of the south med clusters are operating in agrifood sector. Collaboration between northern and southern Mediterranean countries enhances the potential of these clusters. The north contributes advanced infrastructure, technology, and market expertise, complementing the biodiversity and entrepreneurial ecosystems of the south. Beyond agriculture, clusters intersect with tourism and creative industries, as seen in agro-tourism initiatives highlighting Mediterranean gastronomy. These projects drive cultural preservation, economic diversification, and sustainable tourism, solidifying the Mediterranean’s role as a leader in agri-food innovation (World Economic Forum, 2021).

This webinar aims to highlight the potential of agrifood clusters in the South Med region, focusing on key findings, challenges, and bottlenecks in the value chains. It will foster dialogue among stakeholders to address these challenges. The webinar will also present policy toolkits, recommendations, and ongoing twinning projects to promote innovation and sustainable development within the sector.

Target Audience:

Cluster managers
Policy makers
Industry leaders
SMEs and entrepreneurs within the agrifood sector
Academics and researchers

Expected Outcomes:

Identification of key challenges and opportunities in the agrifood sector
Best practices for fostering innovation and sustainability within agrifood clusters
Strategies to strengthen value chains between Northern and Southern Mediterranean countries within this sector
Recommendations for policy makers to support the growth of agrifood sector

Register here!