New Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) strengthens cooperation between EFSA and FAO

The agreement reflects a common objective: ensuring that innovation drives competitiveness while maintaining the highest standards of safety. Amid rapid technological change and increasing complexity, the three-year partnership will promote science-based solutions for safe, sustainable, and resilient food systems, aligned with One Health principles. 

Under the MoU, cooperation will cover areas such as plant and animal health, pesticiderisk assessment and sustainable agricultural practices, nutrition and cross-cutting work on data, as well as methodologies and communication. The partnership will also promote joint efforts on emerging issues and fields such as novel food, biotechnology, artificial intelligence and microbiome research.

The MoU was signed by Nikolaus Kriz, EFSA's Executive Director, and Máximo Torero, FAO’s Chief Economist. Speaking at the signing ceremony, also attended by H. E. Ambassador Martin Selmayr, Head of Delegation of the European Union in Rome, Nikolaus Kriz underlined the importance of the agreement: “I am very proud to see this partnership with FAO take shape. By combining our expertise, we will be better prepared to face emerging challenges and strengthen safe, innovative, and sustainable food systems. I am confident that, together, we can deliver real benefits for public health”.