Doctor-Engineer at INRAE Avignon France, is an international expert in horticulture and protected cultivation systems, with over 23 years of experience. Holding a PhD in environmental physics applied to greenhouses, he served as Senior Horticulture Scientist at the ICBA in Dubai the UAE (2021–2023), focusing on the adaptation of protected crops to arid climates. His research spans sustainable greenhouse design, climate modeling, integrated pest management, and photovoltaic greenhouse integration. With an h-index of 30 and over 2,690 citations, he has made significant contributions to innovation for resilient and sustainable agriculture.

After obtaining his degree in Applied Mathematics from the Faculty of Sciences in Rabat, as well as a degree in Information Systems Analysis from the National School of Computer Science and Systems Analysis (ENSIAS), began his career in 1993 at the Office Chérifien des Phosphates as an Information Systems Analyst. In 2002, he joined Morocco Foodex as Head of the Information Systems Division. In 2008, he obtained his Advanced Management Cycle diploma from the Higher Institute of Commerce and Business Administration (ISCAE) in Casablanca. He was then promoted to Head of the Studies and Prospective Department, responsible for studies and the establishment of an intelligence unit. Building on his experience, he was in charge of setting up and developing the strategic intelligence system of Morocco Foodex. Since 2018, he has held the position of Head of the Intelligence Department. He is also a PhD researcher at the Faculty of Legal, Economic and Social Sciences of Ain Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca. His research focuses on Moroccan agri-food exporting companies facing the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

International consultant specializing in greenhouse technologies and soilless cultivation systems. With over 45 years of experience in protected agriculture, he has collaborated with international organizations and leading agribusiness companies. Since 2012, he has been advising major agricultural farms in Morocco on advanced greenhouse production systems for crops such as tomato, pepper, berries, and melon. He is the co-founder of Ceres Srl, a consultancy company dedicated to soilless cultures and greenhouse management. Through his work, he has supported growers, researchers, and agronomists worldwide in improving productivity, innovation, and sustainable greenhouse production.

Driss Soufiani is a Consultant, Coach, Trainer, and Social Arbitrator with extensive experience in consulting, training, and human resources management in the agricultural sector. He specializes in organization, social dialogue, collective conflict resolution, and professional coaching.

As an expert for the International Labour Organization (ILO), he has contributed to projects involving collective bargaining agreements. He regularly conducts training sessions in management and labor legislation and acts as a mediator in professional relations.

Also experienced as an event moderator, he facilitates strategic and technical discussions. Actively involved in associations, he has held leadership roles within professional networks related to human resources and the development of the agricultural sector.

Dr. Rachid Tahzima is an AI-virologist at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB, IBSquare, Belgium). Former Assistant-Professor at Liège University (ULg-Gembloux and PI at ILVO), he contributed to national programs on comparative viromics and AI-based prediction of emerging viruses. His research focuses on evolutionary and structural biology of new RNA viruses within a One Health framework. He leads MetaVIRIA, combining AI-bioinformatics and protein design, and has international expertise in virus epidemiology and transmission, including ToBRFV.

Special Trade Adviser at FIPRA Public Affairs & Former EU Chief Agricultural Negotiator

With a distinguished 40-year career at the forefront of global trade diplomacy, John Alistair Clarke is widely recognized as one of the world's leading authorities on trade and agricultural policy. As the former Director of International Affairs for the European Commission (DG AGRI), he was the EU’s Chief Negotiator for dozens of international agreements, including landmark deals with China, India, Mercosur and the United States. 

A former Head of the EU Delegation to the WTO and UN in Geneva, John was also the key architect of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Today, he is a Fellow of Maastricht University, the Royal Asiatic Society, and the British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL), is a trade consultant for the public affairs consultancy FIPRA, and serves as a member of the UK Trade and Business Commission. He is a regular commentator on international trade matters. His deep expertise in Geographical Indications (GIs), market access and WTO rules, as well as his experience in negotiating trade agreements with several Maghreb and Mashrek countries makes him a pivotal voice in the future of Mediterranean agricultural exports.

As the son of a cucumbergrower my roots can be traced back to the greenhouses in the Netherlands. I developed a fascination for gathering and interpreting market data during my study and career and knows how to translate this into easy to read tables, texts and clear presentations. As Manager Data & Digitalization at GroentenFruit Huis (Fresh Produce Centre) I convert fruit & vegetable data from production to consumption into valuable insights for our members. There are plenty of opportunities and challenges to increase sales and consumption of fruit & vegetables. Experience the benefits of working in a data-driven way.

Prof. Hervé Vanderschuren is a plant biotechnologist and geneticist specializing in the improvement of crop plant and the study of their interactions with both beneficial and pathogenic microbes. His research integrates molecular biology, genomics, and high‑resolution phenotyping to understand plant–virus interactions, engineer resistance, and optimize plant–microbe beneficial associations. He leads the Tropical Crop Improvement Laboratory at KU Leuven and the Plant Genetics Lab at University of Liège, both laboratories developing innovative approaches to strengthen global food security. His work spans fundamental and translational research, contributing to sustainable agriculture through advanced techniques applied to crops and their interactions in the environment.

PhD by the University of Almeria, Spain. Research PhD thesis was developed board topics of climate control in greenhouses, analysis of variables to crops production, numerical simulation of environment greenhouses. Right now, Is working in Mexico, in the Colegio de Postgraduados, He has participated as a leader of projects on the management of natural resources in agricultural areas, referring to the use and management of water, precision irrigation, agricultural potential in greenhouses in the face of climate change in Mexico and recently urban biosystems, such as vertical farms, indoor crops and plant factory with artificial light.

Michael E. Bledsoe, PhD, has over fifty years of experience in agriculture, including twentytwo years with the agrochemical company Valent and twentyeight years with Village Farms in the greenhouse hydroponic vegetable sector. He holds a BS in Engineering and a PhD in Entomology and Pathology from the University of Florida. As Vice President of Food Safety and Regulatory Affairs, he oversees all regulatory matters for Village Farms and manages U.S. EPA registrations for conventional pesticide labels used in greenhouses. He played a central role in U.S. and Canadian efforts to address ToBRFV, collaborating with industry and federal agencies. He has chaired the IR4 Commodity Liaison Committee and participates annually in Canada’s minoruse pesticide program.

PhD in Energy Engineering from INRA Nice-Sophia Antipolis (1993). He is a professional in greenhouse vegetable production in the Souss-Massa region of Morocco. Actively involved in professional associations, he contributes to the structuring and development of the sector. With strong dual expertise in science and field operations, he focuses on input optimization, greenhouse microclimate management, and technological innovation in agriculture. He has participated in several international technical missions, notably in Mexico, aiming to adapt best practices to the Moroccan agro-climatic context.

Human resources strategy and social sustainability expert in the agricultural sector. He serves as Social & Environmental Impact Manager at Driscoll’s Morocco, where he works with growers to strengthen social practices, enhance labor productivity, and support the sustainable development of the berry industry. With more than 25 years of experience in human resources management, he focuses on key agricultural workforce challenges, including rural labor attractiveness, workforce mobility, and social performance in farming operations. He is also President of AMDRHA (Moroccan Association for the Development of Human Resources in Agriculture).

Human Resources Director for Morocco at Maisadour Maroc, operating in the agricultural and agri-food sector. He has over 20 years of experience in human resources and finance, mainly gained in agricultural production and fruit and vegetable packing activities. He oversees the HR strategy for several farming operations, a packing station, and a network of producers, managing a workforce ranging from 600 to 2,500 employees. A specialist in social dialogue, HR performance, talent management, and social compliance, he supports managers and producers in implementing sustainable and responsible practices. Committed to improving working conditions for the agricultural workforce, he actively contributes to national and international social development projects through the AMDRHA association.