EBIC Experts Forum 2026: Shaping the Year Ahead Together
April 2026
This year’s EBIC Experts Forum (EEF), a key moment for collaboration, strategy, and dialogue across our community, offered members a unique opportunity to engage at a critical time for the sector. Participants benefited from direct dialogue with the European Commission (DG GROW), discussions on EBIC’s 2026 work plan and Project Team priorities, and valuable moments to strengthen collaboration across the industry.
EEF 2026 officially opened with a dinner on the evening of 23 March in Brussels, warmly welcoming EBIC members who travelled to attend the forum in person. This gathering set the tone for the day ahead, providing a space to reconnect and exchange ahead of the working sessions.
The forum itself took place on 24 March in Brussels, bringing together a vibrant and engaged community. The day began with a warm welcome from EBIC President Carlos Rodríguez-Villa Förster, setting the scene for the discussions ahead. We were pleased to welcome a full room of 58 participants attending in person, alongside 45 colleagues joining online to follow the discussions during the breakout sessions. The strong participation reflected the importance of this annual milestone for EBIC members.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in six parallel meetings led by the EBIC Secretariat and co-leaders of EBIC’s Project Teams (Public Affairs, Animal By-Products, Agronomy, Boundaries, Communications, Microbials, Phosphites, REACH+). From shaping EBIC’s public affairs strategy to revising approaches for addressing short-term implementation challenges of the EU Fertilising Products Regulation (FPR), members had the opportunity to actively contribute to EBIC’s strategic direction. These discussions enabled participants to exchange expertise, identify synergies across Project Teams, and refine priorities for the months ahead.
A key highlight of the day was the plenary session featuring Theodora Nikolakopoulou (DG GROW, European Commission), who provided an update on the implementation status of the EU FPR and shared insights on future developments. This session offered EBIC members a valuable opportunity to engage directly with the Commission, ask questions, and better understand the evolving regulatory landscape.
The day concluded with the EBIC Board presenting key reflections on the strategic implications for the work plan. This included next steps in the 2026 work plan revision process, early considerations for the 2027 plan, and an update on EBIC’s annual high-level stakeholder engagement, the Summit 2026. Together, these outcomes will directly inform EBIC’s priorities and activities moving forward.
The EEF is always a valuable opportunity to spend time in person with EBIC members we have been working closely with throughout the year – and for many, over many years. We look forward to the exciting year ahead and extend our sincere thanks to all participants for their active engagement, contributions, and continued commitment to EBIC’s work, because together we’re stronger.
Not part of EBIC yet? Reach out to David Barton (david@prospero.ag) to become an EBIC member!