Agenda

Day 01
Day 02

DAY 1 – 23 October

13.00-14.00

Participants Registrations

14.00-15.00

Welcome Plenary & Opening session

Moderator
3 Helena Felixberger

Helena Felixberger

Moderator
Cologne-based moderator and presenter Helena Felixberger is a certified Business Coach (SBH) and a graduated interpreter for the languages of English, Spanish and German. A special trait of the half-Spanish, half-German moderator and presenter is her infectious energy and her ability to use it with great skill and focus in her moderations. With charm and wit, she never fails to get the audience on her side. And with many years of experience, she can draw on well-founded knowledge in the fields of digital & sustainability, technology and industry, pharma and healthcare, automobile and entertainment.
3 Helena Felixberger

Helena Felixberger

Moderator
Cologne-based moderator and presenter Helena Felixberger is a certified Business Coach (SBH) and a graduated interpreter for the languages of English, Spanish and German. A special trait of the half-Spanish, half-German moderator and presenter is her infectious energy and her ability to use it with great skill and focus in her moderations. With charm and wit, she never fails to get the audience on her side. And with many years of experience, she can draw on well-founded knowledge in the fields of digital & sustainability, technology and industry, pharma and healthcare, automobile and entertainment.
Speakers
1-Thierry Krier

Thierry Krier

CEMA President, President & CEO KUHN Group
Thierry Krier is the President and CEO of KUHN GROUP and KUHN S.A.S., based in Saverne, France. He spent his whole career with the KUHN GROUP, starting in 1990 as International Sales Manager for KUHN S.A. in Saverne, France, and successively moving to Vice President Sales and Marketing (from 1994 to 1995), Executive VP (from 1995 to 2003), President (from 2003 to 2007) of KUHN FARM MACHINERY, Inc., in Vernon, New York. In 2008 he became CEO and Chairman of KUHN NORTH AMERICA, Inc., in Brodhead, Wisconsin & KUHN KRAUSE, Inc., in Hutchinson, Kansas. Thierry Krier holds a Master’s in International Business and a Bachelor degree of Science in Agronomy/Crop Science. He is a member of the Board of VDMA, German Farm Machinery Manufacturers Association. Since 2020 he is the President of the Board of Directors of CEMA, the European Agricultural Machinery Industry Association.
1-Thierry Krier

Thierry Krier

CEMA President, President & CEO KUHN Group
Thierry Krier is the President and CEO of KUHN GROUP and KUHN S.A.S., based in Saverne, France. He spent his whole career with the KUHN GROUP, starting in 1990 as International Sales Manager for KUHN S.A. in Saverne, France, and successively moving to Vice President Sales and Marketing (from 1994 to 1995), Executive VP (from 1995 to 2003), President (from 2003 to 2007) of KUHN FARM MACHINERY, Inc., in Vernon, New York. In 2008 he became CEO and Chairman of KUHN NORTH AMERICA, Inc., in Brodhead, Wisconsin & KUHN KRAUSE, Inc., in Hutchinson, Kansas. Thierry Krier holds a Master’s in International Business and a Bachelor degree of Science in Agronomy/Crop Science. He is a member of the Board of VDMA, German Farm Machinery Manufacturers Association. Since 2020 he is the President of the Board of Directors of CEMA, the European Agricultural Machinery Industry Association.
MaciejGolubiewski new

Maciej Golubiewski

Head of Cabinet of Commissioner for Agriculture Mr. Janusz Wojciechowski , European Commission
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Washington and Lee University (1999) and a Master of Arts degree in Political Science from the Johns Hopkins University (2005). He also holds an International Baccalaureate Diploma from the United World College of the Atlantic in the UK. After graduation, he moved to Washington D.C. where he spent three years in business consulting at Charles River Associates International (CRAI) before going on to graduate school. During his studies Mr. Golubiewski interned with the office of Senator Richard Lugar, served as a summer fellow at the Heritage Foundation and was an associate scholar at the Center for European Policy Analysis. For close to five years, he was a teaching assistant and lecturer in political science and international relations at the Johns Hopkins University and spent two semesters as a visiting professor at Mannheim University in Germany. In 2008, he joined, as an established official, the Directorate General for Development and Relations with African, Caribbean and Pacific countries at the European Commission in Brussels as a desk responsible for regional political and economic cooperation with the Horn, East and Southern Africa region. During that time he participated in the Economic Partnership Agreement free trade negotiations with the African regional blocks. In 2011, he was transferred to the newly created European External Action Service, where, since 2012, he had been responsible for preparing the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council positions on the developing conflict in Syria. Between 2014 and 2016, Mr. Golubiewski served as the Deputy Chief of Mission and the Head of the Political Section at the EU Delegation to Lebanon in Beirut and between 2017 and 2019 as the Consul General of the Republic of Poland in New York. Mr. Golubiewski sits on an advisory board of the Integral Economic Development master programs at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C, and for almost ten years has been associated with the Sobieski Institute in Warsaw as an expert on the EU and foreign policy. He speaks Polish, English and French.
MaciejGolubiewski new

Maciej Golubiewski

Head of Cabinet of Commissioner for Agriculture Mr. Janusz Wojciechowski , European Commission
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Washington and Lee University (1999) and a Master of Arts degree in Political Science from the Johns Hopkins University (2005). He also holds an International Baccalaureate Diploma from the United World College of the Atlantic in the UK. After graduation, he moved to Washington D.C. where he spent three years in business consulting at Charles River Associates International (CRAI) before going on to graduate school. During his studies Mr. Golubiewski interned with the office of Senator Richard Lugar, served as a summer fellow at the Heritage Foundation and was an associate scholar at the Center for European Policy Analysis. For close to five years, he was a teaching assistant and lecturer in political science and international relations at the Johns Hopkins University and spent two semesters as a visiting professor at Mannheim University in Germany. In 2008, he joined, as an established official, the Directorate General for Development and Relations with African, Caribbean and Pacific countries at the European Commission in Brussels as a desk responsible for regional political and economic cooperation with the Horn, East and Southern Africa region. During that time he participated in the Economic Partnership Agreement free trade negotiations with the African regional blocks. In 2011, he was transferred to the newly created European External Action Service, where, since 2012, he had been responsible for preparing the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council positions on the developing conflict in Syria. Between 2014 and 2016, Mr. Golubiewski served as the Deputy Chief of Mission and the Head of the Political Section at the EU Delegation to Lebanon in Beirut and between 2017 and 2019 as the Consul General of the Republic of Poland in New York. Mr. Golubiewski sits on an advisory board of the Integral Economic Development master programs at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C, and for almost ten years has been associated with the Sobieski Institute in Warsaw as an expert on the EU and foreign policy. He speaks Polish, English and French.
Norbert Lins

Norbert Lins

Member of the European Parliament, Chairman of the AGRI Committee
Norbert Linds is a German MEP for the Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands, part of the European People’s Party (EPP). He is Chair of the Agriculture and Rural Developments Committee (AGRI). He was first elected in 2014 and was recently re-elected in May 2019. Lins holds an MA in European Public Management from the Universities of Ludwigsburg and Kehl.
Norbert Lins

Norbert Lins

Member of the European Parliament, Chairman of the AGRI Committee
Norbert Linds is a German MEP for the Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands, part of the European People’s Party (EPP). He is Chair of the Agriculture and Rural Developments Committee (AGRI). He was first elected in 2014 and was recently re-elected in May 2019. Lins holds an MA in European Public Management from the Universities of Ludwigsburg and Kehl.
Christiane Lambert

Christiane Lambert

President of Copa (the Committee of Professional Agricultural Organisations)
Born in 1961 in Cantal, from parents’ farmers and activists at the JAC (Christian Young Farmer). She chooses very early to work as farmer, after an agricultural BTS. At 19 years old, she settled on a dairy and pig farm in Cantal. At the same time, she became involved in the Young Farmers’ Union (JA) and passed through the various regional levels before becoming the first woman elected as president of the National Young Farmer association (CNJA). She was President of the FDSEA of Maine-et-Loire from 2001 to 2011, Secretary General of the FRSEA of Pays de la Loire from 2001 to 2014 and she is member of bureau of Chamber of Agriculture since 2001. In April 2017, the was the first woman elected FNSEA President, the leading French agricultural union. Christiane Lambert has been president of Copa since 2020. She was re-elected unanimously on September 23rd for a second term, a first in more than 15 years.
Christiane Lambert

Christiane Lambert

President of Copa (the Committee of Professional Agricultural Organisations)
Born in 1961 in Cantal, from parents’ farmers and activists at the JAC (Christian Young Farmer). She chooses very early to work as farmer, after an agricultural BTS. At 19 years old, she settled on a dairy and pig farm in Cantal. At the same time, she became involved in the Young Farmers’ Union (JA) and passed through the various regional levels before becoming the first woman elected as president of the National Young Farmer association (CNJA). She was President of the FDSEA of Maine-et-Loire from 2001 to 2011, Secretary General of the FRSEA of Pays de la Loire from 2001 to 2014 and she is member of bureau of Chamber of Agriculture since 2001. In April 2017, the was the first woman elected FNSEA President, the leading French agricultural union. Christiane Lambert has been president of Copa since 2020. She was re-elected unanimously on September 23rd for a second term, a first in more than 15 years.

15.00-16.00

Panel 1 – “Agricultural machinery’s contribution to sustainability now and in the future”

Speakers
Catherine Geslain- Laneel

Catherine Geslain-Lanéelle

Director Strategy & Policy Analysis DG AGRI, European Commission
Since 1 January 2023, Catherine Geslain-Lanéelle has been Director Strategy and policy analysis at DG AGRI (European Commission). From 1 September 2020 to 31 December 2022, she was Director at the General Secretariat of the Council, responsible for Veterinary and Plant Health Questions, Food and Forestry. Between December 2019 and August 2020, she was Deputy Head of Cabinet of the EU Commissioner responsible for agriculture and rural development. From July 2018 to June 2019, she was the candidate of the EU for the position of Director general of the FAO. Between 2013 and 2018, she was responsible for the implementation of the CAP in France, in her capacity as Director general for Economic and Environmental Performance of Enterprises at the French Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. Between 2006 and 2013, she was Executive Director of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). From 2003 to 2006, she was Regional Director of Agriculture and Forestry for the Ile de France region. Prior to that, she was Director General of the Food Department within the French Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. She also worked at the European Commission from 1991 to 1993 as Seconded National Expert at DG III (DG Industry and Internal Market) in the area of food safety. She is an agronomist with a Master of Science from the Institut National Agronomique Paris-Grignon and from the Ecole Nationale du Génie Rural, des Eaux et des Forêts.
Catherine Geslain- Laneel

Catherine Geslain-Lanéelle

Director Strategy & Policy Analysis DG AGRI, European Commission
Since 1 January 2023, Catherine Geslain-Lanéelle has been Director Strategy and policy analysis at DG AGRI (European Commission). From 1 September 2020 to 31 December 2022, she was Director at the General Secretariat of the Council, responsible for Veterinary and Plant Health Questions, Food and Forestry. Between December 2019 and August 2020, she was Deputy Head of Cabinet of the EU Commissioner responsible for agriculture and rural development. From July 2018 to June 2019, she was the candidate of the EU for the position of Director general of the FAO. Between 2013 and 2018, she was responsible for the implementation of the CAP in France, in her capacity as Director general for Economic and Environmental Performance of Enterprises at the French Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. Between 2006 and 2013, she was Executive Director of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). From 2003 to 2006, she was Regional Director of Agriculture and Forestry for the Ile de France region. Prior to that, she was Director General of the Food Department within the French Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. She also worked at the European Commission from 1991 to 1993 as Seconded National Expert at DG III (DG Industry and Internal Market) in the area of food safety. She is an agronomist with a Master of Science from the Institut National Agronomique Paris-Grignon and from the Ecole Nationale du Génie Rural, des Eaux et des Forêts.
1-Thierry Krier

Thierry Krier

CEMA President, President & CEO KUHN Group
Thierry Krier is the President and CEO of KUHN GROUP and KUHN S.A.S., based in Saverne, France. He spent his whole career with the KUHN GROUP, starting in 1990 as International Sales Manager for KUHN S.A. in Saverne, France, and successively moving to Vice President Sales and Marketing (from 1994 to 1995), Executive VP (from 1995 to 2003), President (from 2003 to 2007) of KUHN FARM MACHINERY, Inc., in Vernon, New York. In 2008 he became CEO and Chairman of KUHN NORTH AMERICA, Inc., in Brodhead, Wisconsin & KUHN KRAUSE, Inc., in Hutchinson, Kansas. Thierry Krier holds a Master’s in International Business and a Bachelor degree of Science in Agronomy/Crop Science. He is a member of the Board of VDMA, German Farm Machinery Manufacturers Association. Since 2020 he is the President of the Board of Directors of CEMA, the European Agricultural Machinery Industry Association.
1-Thierry Krier

Thierry Krier

CEMA President, President & CEO KUHN Group
Thierry Krier is the President and CEO of KUHN GROUP and KUHN S.A.S., based in Saverne, France. He spent his whole career with the KUHN GROUP, starting in 1990 as International Sales Manager for KUHN S.A. in Saverne, France, and successively moving to Vice President Sales and Marketing (from 1994 to 1995), Executive VP (from 1995 to 2003), President (from 2003 to 2007) of KUHN FARM MACHINERY, Inc., in Vernon, New York. In 2008 he became CEO and Chairman of KUHN NORTH AMERICA, Inc., in Brodhead, Wisconsin & KUHN KRAUSE, Inc., in Hutchinson, Kansas. Thierry Krier holds a Master’s in International Business and a Bachelor degree of Science in Agronomy/Crop Science. He is a member of the Board of VDMA, German Farm Machinery Manufacturers Association. Since 2020 he is the President of the Board of Directors of CEMA, the European Agricultural Machinery Industry Association.
Norbert Lins

Norbert Lins

Member of the European Parliament, Chairman of the AGRI Committee
Norbert Linds is a German MEP for the Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands, part of the European People’s Party (EPP). He is Chair of the Agriculture and Rural Developments Committee (AGRI). He was first elected in 2014 and was recently re-elected in May 2019. Lins holds an MA in European Public Management from the Universities of Ludwigsburg and Kehl.
Norbert Lins

Norbert Lins

Member of the European Parliament, Chairman of the AGRI Committee
Norbert Linds is a German MEP for the Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands, part of the European People’s Party (EPP). He is Chair of the Agriculture and Rural Developments Committee (AGRI). He was first elected in 2014 and was recently re-elected in May 2019. Lins holds an MA in European Public Management from the Universities of Ludwigsburg and Kehl.

16.00-16.40

Coffee Break

16.40-16.50

Keynote speech

Doriana Milenkova 3

Doriana Milenkova

Analyst Farm Inputs and Sugar, RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness, Rabobank
Based in the Netherlands, Doriana works as an analyst for RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness, focusing on farm inputs and sugar. Her research is dedicated to fertilizer, seed and agmachinery & AgTech sectors developments and their impact on farmers in Europe and Africa. Doriana worked for many years as a policy advisor on agriculture, food, and nature for Bulgaria and Moldovia at the Netherlands Embassy in Sofia. Prior to that, she worked for a grain and commodity broker. Doriana holds a Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of National and World Economy, Sofia. She is proficient in Bulgarian, English, and Russian and has a speaks Dutch.
Doriana Milenkova 3

Doriana Milenkova

Analyst Farm Inputs and Sugar, RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness, Rabobank
Based in the Netherlands, Doriana works as an analyst for RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness, focusing on farm inputs and sugar. Her research is dedicated to fertilizer, seed and agmachinery & AgTech sectors developments and their impact on farmers in Europe and Africa. Doriana worked for many years as a policy advisor on agriculture, food, and nature for Bulgaria and Moldovia at the Netherlands Embassy in Sofia. Prior to that, she worked for a grain and commodity broker. Doriana holds a Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of National and World Economy, Sofia. She is proficient in Bulgarian, English, and Russian and has a speaks Dutch.

16.50-17.50

Panel 2 – “Energizing farmers for the green transition”

Speakers
1-markwart_von_pentz_002025

Mark von Pentz

President, Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division: Small Agriculture and Turf Care, Europe, CIS, Asia, and Africa of John Deere
Mark von Pentz is President, Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division, Small Ag and Turf, responsible for the European, CIS, Asian, and African markets as well as for the equipment solutions that provide value to small ag and turf care customers. He was named to the role in June 2020. A champion for the ag producer, von Pentz has served as a president of Deere’s Ag & Turf business for more than a dozen years, with market responsibilities spanning the globe (Europe, CIS, Africa, Asia, and South America) and product-line responsibilities that have included every ag equipment product line. Previous leadership assignments for von Pentz include Senior Vice President, Marketing & Product Support – Europe, Africa, and the Middle East; Vice President, North American Ag Marketing; Director, North American Ag Market Development and Customer Focus project manager; branch, division, and territory sales manager roles in Europe; and factory marketing manager for mid-sized tractors. He joined John Deere in 1990. He is an advisory board member of the VDMA (German Equipment Manufacturers’ Association), a regional advisory board member of Deutsche Bank AG, a board member of the U.S.-Russia Business Council, and a member of the board of trustees of the Heidelberg University Foundation. A graduate of Hamburg University, von Pentz has an advanced degree in business administration.
1-markwart_von_pentz_002025

Mark von Pentz

President, Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division: Small Agriculture and Turf Care, Europe, CIS, Asia, and Africa of John Deere
Mark von Pentz is President, Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division, Small Ag and Turf, responsible for the European, CIS, Asian, and African markets as well as for the equipment solutions that provide value to small ag and turf care customers. He was named to the role in June 2020. A champion for the ag producer, von Pentz has served as a president of Deere’s Ag & Turf business for more than a dozen years, with market responsibilities spanning the globe (Europe, CIS, Africa, Asia, and South America) and product-line responsibilities that have included every ag equipment product line. Previous leadership assignments for von Pentz include Senior Vice President, Marketing & Product Support – Europe, Africa, and the Middle East; Vice President, North American Ag Marketing; Director, North American Ag Market Development and Customer Focus project manager; branch, division, and territory sales manager roles in Europe; and factory marketing manager for mid-sized tractors. He joined John Deere in 1990. He is an advisory board member of the VDMA (German Equipment Manufacturers’ Association), a regional advisory board member of Deutsche Bank AG, a board member of the U.S.-Russia Business Council, and a member of the board of trustees of the Heidelberg University Foundation. A graduate of Hamburg University, von Pentz has an advanced degree in business administration.
Carlo Lambro

Carlo Lambro

Brand President of New Holland Agriculture & President CNH Industrial Italy
Carlo Lambro is Brand President of New Holland Agriculture and CEO of CNH Industrial Italia since September 2013. He has been working at CNH for almost three decades and throughout his career he gained extensive experience in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia, covering a variety of roles in Western and Eastern Europe, in the CIS area, China, Far East, and Russia, with responsibility for all agricultural brands within the Fiat Group. In 2004, Lambro was appointed General Manager of Shanghai New Holland Agriculture Machine Corporation in addition to his responsibilities as CNH Country Manager for China. He then covered the role of Business Director New Holland Agriculture for Italy (2006) and one year later he was appointed Business Director New Holland Agriculture Europe. In 2007 Lambro became Vice President for New Holland Agriculture Sales & Marketing Europe and, six years later, Vice President New Holland Agriculture EMEA with the responsibility of coordinating all Brand Branches and Importers of Europe, Africa and Middle East. Since September 2013 he covers the position of Brand President for New Holland Agriculture, on the global level, extending his experience to the Asia Pacific area, North and South America. In 2015 he also became CEO of CNH Industrial Italy. Carlo Lambro holds a masters’ degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Bologna, Italy.
Carlo Lambro

Carlo Lambro

Brand President of New Holland Agriculture & President CNH Industrial Italy
Carlo Lambro is Brand President of New Holland Agriculture and CEO of CNH Industrial Italia since September 2013. He has been working at CNH for almost three decades and throughout his career he gained extensive experience in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia, covering a variety of roles in Western and Eastern Europe, in the CIS area, China, Far East, and Russia, with responsibility for all agricultural brands within the Fiat Group. In 2004, Lambro was appointed General Manager of Shanghai New Holland Agriculture Machine Corporation in addition to his responsibilities as CNH Country Manager for China. He then covered the role of Business Director New Holland Agriculture for Italy (2006) and one year later he was appointed Business Director New Holland Agriculture Europe. In 2007 Lambro became Vice President for New Holland Agriculture Sales & Marketing Europe and, six years later, Vice President New Holland Agriculture EMEA with the responsibility of coordinating all Brand Branches and Importers of Europe, Africa and Middle East. Since September 2013 he covers the position of Brand President for New Holland Agriculture, on the global level, extending his experience to the Asia Pacific area, North and South America. In 2015 he also became CEO of CNH Industrial Italy. Carlo Lambro holds a masters’ degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Bologna, Italy.
WW_1

Walter Wagner

Managing Director of Research & Development for AGCO/Fendt
With over 30 years of dedicated service at Fendt/AGCO, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of agricultural machinery development. His journey at Fendt began as a Design Engineer. In 1999 he took over the responsibility for the development of the Fendt tractor series 200/300. In 2006, he was entrusted with the additional responsibility of overseeing the Fendt tractor series 500/700. In 2013, he was appointed as the Engineering Site Lead, a role in which he had comprehensive oversight of the entire Fendt tractor development process. This involved steering complex technical challenges and fostering a culture of innovation within the R&D team. Today, he serves as the Managing Director of Research and Development for Fendt, a role he assumed in 2022. In this position, he lead Fendt’s research and development initiatives, overseeing every facet of tractor development.
WW_1

Walter Wagner

Managing Director of Research & Development for AGCO/Fendt
With over 30 years of dedicated service at Fendt/AGCO, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of agricultural machinery development. His journey at Fendt began as a Design Engineer. In 1999 he took over the responsibility for the development of the Fendt tractor series 200/300. In 2006, he was entrusted with the additional responsibility of overseeing the Fendt tractor series 500/700. In 2013, he was appointed as the Engineering Site Lead, a role in which he had comprehensive oversight of the entire Fendt tractor development process. This involved steering complex technical challenges and fostering a culture of innovation within the R&D team. Today, he serves as the Managing Director of Research and Development for Fendt, a role he assumed in 2022. In this position, he lead Fendt’s research and development initiatives, overseeing every facet of tractor development.
Eric Quenet

Eric Quenet

Deputy Director European Public Affairs, TotalEnergies
With more than 37 years of experience Eric has focused on strategic analysis, international management, and public affairs within the TotalEnergies Company. Eric has a long international development experience both in Asia and Middle East for running operations but also in joint-venture negotiations and implementations. Between 1994 and 1998 Eric launched the chemical activity for TotalEnergies in the Shanghai area (China). In 2000 Eric was appointed President of TotalEnergies chemical activities in Korea and then moved to the joint-venture created between TotalEnergies and Samsung. Between 2009 and 2016 he has been a Senior Business Advisor at the Corporate Strategy & Business Intelligence Division at TotalEnergies before moving to Iran. Between 2018 and 2021 he was appointed as General Manager for France and Benelux for the EU professional association PlasticsEurope before his move to the TotalEnergies European Public Affairs. He is graduated from the French Business School “l’Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales “(HEC).
Eric Quenet

Eric Quenet

Deputy Director European Public Affairs, TotalEnergies
With more than 37 years of experience Eric has focused on strategic analysis, international management, and public affairs within the TotalEnergies Company. Eric has a long international development experience both in Asia and Middle East for running operations but also in joint-venture negotiations and implementations. Between 1994 and 1998 Eric launched the chemical activity for TotalEnergies in the Shanghai area (China). In 2000 Eric was appointed President of TotalEnergies chemical activities in Korea and then moved to the joint-venture created between TotalEnergies and Samsung. Between 2009 and 2016 he has been a Senior Business Advisor at the Corporate Strategy & Business Intelligence Division at TotalEnergies before moving to Iran. Between 2018 and 2021 he was appointed as General Manager for France and Benelux for the EU professional association PlasticsEurope before his move to the TotalEnergies European Public Affairs. He is graduated from the French Business School “l’Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales “(HEC).

17.50-18.00

Closing remarks

Jelte Wiersma

Jelte Wiersma

CEMA Secretary General
Mr. Jelte Wiersma is the Secretary General of CEMA – the European Association representing the Agricultural Machinery manufacturers in Europe. CEMA’s members are 11 National Associations and the biggest seven tractor manufacturers in Europe. Mr. Wiersma, a Dutch national, worked since 2014 as EU-correspondent for the leading Dutch weekly, covering on European affairs, including agriculture, and agri-food-related issues. He is one of the founding members of the Holland House in Brussels.
Jelte Wiersma

Jelte Wiersma

CEMA Secretary General
Mr. Jelte Wiersma is the Secretary General of CEMA – the European Association representing the Agricultural Machinery manufacturers in Europe. CEMA’s members are 11 National Associations and the biggest seven tractor manufacturers in Europe. Mr. Wiersma, a Dutch national, worked since 2014 as EU-correspondent for the leading Dutch weekly, covering on European affairs, including agriculture, and agri-food-related issues. He is one of the founding members of the Holland House in Brussels.

18.00-20.30

Walking dinner

DAY 2 – 24 October

08.00-09.00

Participants Registrations

09.00-09.30

Welcome Plenary

Moderator
3 Helena Felixberger

Helena Felixberger

Moderator
Cologne-based moderator and presenter Helena Felixberger is a certified Business Coach (SBH) and a graduated interpreter for the languages of English, Spanish and German. A special trait of the half-Spanish, half-German moderator and presenter is her infectious energy and her ability to use it with great skill and focus in her moderations. With charm and wit, she never fails to get the audience on her side. And with many years of experience, she can draw on well-founded knowledge in the fields of digital & sustainability, technology and industry, pharma and healthcare, automobile and entertainment.
3 Helena Felixberger

Helena Felixberger

Moderator
Cologne-based moderator and presenter Helena Felixberger is a certified Business Coach (SBH) and a graduated interpreter for the languages of English, Spanish and German. A special trait of the half-Spanish, half-German moderator and presenter is her infectious energy and her ability to use it with great skill and focus in her moderations. With charm and wit, she never fails to get the audience on her side. And with many years of experience, she can draw on well-founded knowledge in the fields of digital & sustainability, technology and industry, pharma and healthcare, automobile and entertainment.
Speakers
Fernando Miranda Sotillos

Fernando Miranda Sotillos

Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture of Spain
In 1990 started his professional activity in the Ministry of Agriculture, occupying different technical positions related to the management of farming support schemes. In 2001 joined the Agronomic Engineer professional career in the Ministry of Agriculture, performing different technical positions linked to the management of agricultural markets. 2002 – 2004, Deputy Head of Unit in charge regulatory issues related to animal holdings, animal welfare, environmental performance of animal husbandry and traceability. 2004 – 2006, Head of Unit in charge of implementation of market measures related to the Common Agriculture Policy. 2006-2014, President of the Spanish central paying agency, in charge of the implementation of Common Agriculture Policy support in Spain. 2014 – 2018, Director General of Agricultural Markets, in charge of the surveillance of agricultural markets and proposing policy solutions to improve the performance of farming sector.Since the 18th June, General Secretary of Agriculture and Food, in charge of the Spanish policy on farming, food and rural development.
Fernando Miranda Sotillos

Fernando Miranda Sotillos

Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture of Spain
In 1990 started his professional activity in the Ministry of Agriculture, occupying different technical positions related to the management of farming support schemes. In 2001 joined the Agronomic Engineer professional career in the Ministry of Agriculture, performing different technical positions linked to the management of agricultural markets. 2002 – 2004, Deputy Head of Unit in charge regulatory issues related to animal holdings, animal welfare, environmental performance of animal husbandry and traceability. 2004 – 2006, Head of Unit in charge of implementation of market measures related to the Common Agriculture Policy. 2006-2014, President of the Spanish central paying agency, in charge of the implementation of Common Agriculture Policy support in Spain. 2014 – 2018, Director General of Agricultural Markets, in charge of the surveillance of agricultural markets and proposing policy solutions to improve the performance of farming sector.Since the 18th June, General Secretary of Agriculture and Food, in charge of the Spanish policy on farming, food and rural development.
Tassos Haniotis

Tassos Haniotis

Senior Guest Research Scholar, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
Tassos holds an Economics degree from Athens University of Economics and Business, along with M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Agricultural Economics from the University of Georgia in the U.S. Tassos joined the European Commission in 1989, initially working briefly in agricultural markets. He later joined the agricultural outlook unit of DG for AGRI. In 1996, he relocated to Washington, DC, serving as the Ag Counsellor of the EC Delegation in the US. In 2000, he became a member of the Cabinet of European Commissioner for Agriculture Franz Fischler, offering advice on the 2003 reform and holding the role of Deputy Head of Cabinet during the Doha Round of WTO negotiations. In 2004, Tassos returned to DG AGRI and retired in the summer of 2022 as the Director for Strategy and Policy Analysis, a position he held since 2009. After retiring from the European Commission, Tassos is currently focused on studying how various best farm practices affect agricultural productivity, with a particular emphasis on their environmental impact, in addition to economic and social aspects. Tassos Haniotis is a (non-resident) Senior Guest Research Scholar at the International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis in Laxenburg, Austria. He is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of two Horizon Research Projects, of the EU Council High Level Group on Biosphere Economy Innovation, and of the EU Nitrogen Expert Panel.
Tassos Haniotis

Tassos Haniotis

Senior Guest Research Scholar, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
Tassos holds an Economics degree from Athens University of Economics and Business, along with M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Agricultural Economics from the University of Georgia in the U.S. Tassos joined the European Commission in 1989, initially working briefly in agricultural markets. He later joined the agricultural outlook unit of DG for AGRI. In 1996, he relocated to Washington, DC, serving as the Ag Counsellor of the EC Delegation in the US. In 2000, he became a member of the Cabinet of European Commissioner for Agriculture Franz Fischler, offering advice on the 2003 reform and holding the role of Deputy Head of Cabinet during the Doha Round of WTO negotiations. In 2004, Tassos returned to DG AGRI and retired in the summer of 2022 as the Director for Strategy and Policy Analysis, a position he held since 2009. After retiring from the European Commission, Tassos is currently focused on studying how various best farm practices affect agricultural productivity, with a particular emphasis on their environmental impact, in addition to economic and social aspects. Tassos Haniotis is a (non-resident) Senior Guest Research Scholar at the International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis in Laxenburg, Austria. He is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of two Horizon Research Projects, of the EU Council High Level Group on Biosphere Economy Innovation, and of the EU Nitrogen Expert Panel.

09.30-10.30

Parallel sessions 1 and 2

Session 1 – Robotics and AI: a look into the future of agriculture

  • Minerva Room
Moderator
1-Paul Snauwaert (CNH Industrial)

Paul Snauwaert

Senior Advisor Advanced Technologies and Innovation, CNH Industrial
Paul Snauwaert holds a PhD degree in Applied Science from the Ghent University and works since 1985 for CNH Industrial in the area of product development and engineering. His main focus lies on agricultural products for the core brands of New Holland Agriculture and Case IH, accumulating more than 38 years’ experience in product development with a main focus on combine harvesters. He was involved in product launches in Brazil, led the development of a global modular combine range, oversaw the development of Tier 4 emissions programs, and held global responsibilities for product development, advanced technologies, and innovation within CNH Industrial’s Agricultural products. Since his retirement in September this year, he continues in an advisory role in Advanced Technologies and Innovation for CNH Industrial.
1-Paul Snauwaert (CNH Industrial)

Paul Snauwaert

Senior Advisor Advanced Technologies and Innovation, CNH Industrial
Paul Snauwaert holds a PhD degree in Applied Science from the Ghent University and works since 1985 for CNH Industrial in the area of product development and engineering. His main focus lies on agricultural products for the core brands of New Holland Agriculture and Case IH, accumulating more than 38 years’ experience in product development with a main focus on combine harvesters. He was involved in product launches in Brazil, led the development of a global modular combine range, oversaw the development of Tier 4 emissions programs, and held global responsibilities for product development, advanced technologies, and innovation within CNH Industrial’s Agricultural products. Since his retirement in September this year, he continues in an advisory role in Advanced Technologies and Innovation for CNH Industrial.
Speakers
Pierluigi Londero

Pierluigi Londero

Head of Unit Data governance, DG AGRI, European Commission
Head of the Data Governance unit in the directorate-general for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission, responsible for data governance, data integration/management and digitalisation. Agricultural economist by training, worked mostly in the directorate for strategy and policy analysis, and was involved in the main reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy over the last 25 years. Earlier was in charge of support to policy implementation for the Integrated Administration and Control System – IACS.
Pierluigi Londero

Pierluigi Londero

Head of Unit Data governance, DG AGRI, European Commission
Head of the Data Governance unit in the directorate-general for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission, responsible for data governance, data integration/management and digitalisation. Agricultural economist by training, worked mostly in the directorate for strategy and policy analysis, and was involved in the main reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy over the last 25 years. Earlier was in charge of support to policy implementation for the Integrated Administration and Control System – IACS.
Francesca Hennig-Possenti

Francesca Hennig-Possenti

Chairwoman of the CEMA ad hoc group A.I., Senior Legal Counsel, John Deere Gmbh & Co KG
Graduated with a degree in law from the University of Urbino in Italy. In 2002, She earned admission to the Italian Bar. In 2003, she continued her studies at the Albert Ludwig University. Her commitment to professional development led her to attain admission to the German Bar in 2015. In the same year, she achieved the designation of Information Technology German Fachanwalt. In 2007, she represented Germany in dealings with the Commission for the 7th Framework Program for Research, contributing to the development of European research policy. Her legal career commenced in 2009 when she joined the Legal Team at Deere & Co. In 2015 she became a Member of the Board of Directors at John Deere Italiana. She served as a Member of the Board of Directors at Mazzotti Srl in 2019. In 2019, she assumed the role of Chair of the Artificial Intelligence Group at CEMA. In 2020, she played a pivotal role as part of the Pandemic Response Task Force, contributing to critical decision-making during a global crisis. Currently, she serves as the Chair of the Legal and Ethics Committee for Artificial Intelligence at the ITU (International Telecommunication Union). She is affiliates with DLGRI (German Association of Law and Informatics) and the ACC (American Chamber of Commerce).
Francesca Hennig-Possenti

Francesca Hennig-Possenti

Chairwoman of the CEMA ad hoc group A.I., Senior Legal Counsel, John Deere Gmbh & Co KG
Graduated with a degree in law from the University of Urbino in Italy. In 2002, She earned admission to the Italian Bar. In 2003, she continued her studies at the Albert Ludwig University. Her commitment to professional development led her to attain admission to the German Bar in 2015. In the same year, she achieved the designation of Information Technology German Fachanwalt. In 2007, she represented Germany in dealings with the Commission for the 7th Framework Program for Research, contributing to the development of European research policy. Her legal career commenced in 2009 when she joined the Legal Team at Deere & Co. In 2015 she became a Member of the Board of Directors at John Deere Italiana. She served as a Member of the Board of Directors at Mazzotti Srl in 2019. In 2019, she assumed the role of Chair of the Artificial Intelligence Group at CEMA. In 2020, she played a pivotal role as part of the Pandemic Response Task Force, contributing to critical decision-making during a global crisis. Currently, she serves as the Chair of the Legal and Ethics Committee for Artificial Intelligence at the ITU (International Telecommunication Union). She is affiliates with DLGRI (German Association of Law and Informatics) and the ACC (American Chamber of Commerce).
Valentin_Enescu_small_photo2

Valentin Enescu

Programme Officer – EU policies, DG CNECT, European Commission
Valentin Enescu has a diverse background spanning academia, industry, and EU institutions, specializing in signal processing, computer vision, AI, and robotics. Currently a Programme Officer with DG CNECT, European Commission (EC), he oversees multiple agri-robotics projects, focusing on leveraging robotics and AI to advance agriculture.
Valentin_Enescu_small_photo2

Valentin Enescu

Programme Officer – EU policies, DG CNECT, European Commission
Valentin Enescu has a diverse background spanning academia, industry, and EU institutions, specializing in signal processing, computer vision, AI, and robotics. Currently a Programme Officer with DG CNECT, European Commission (EC), he oversees multiple agri-robotics projects, focusing on leveraging robotics and AI to advance agriculture.
Nicola Danti

Nicola Danti

Member of the European Parliament
Born in 1966 in Pelago, Nicola Danti graduated in Political Science from the University of Florence in 1993. An MEP since 2014, he is the first coordinator of the S&D group in the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO). Since 2020 in Renew Europe, of which he was elected Vice-President in October 2021, he is a permanent member of the Industry Research and Energy Committee and a substitute member of the Transport and Tourism Committee. He is currently European Parliament’s rapporteur for the Cyber Resilience Act.
Nicola Danti

Nicola Danti

Member of the European Parliament
Born in 1966 in Pelago, Nicola Danti graduated in Political Science from the University of Florence in 1993. An MEP since 2014, he is the first coordinator of the S&D group in the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO). Since 2020 in Renew Europe, of which he was elected Vice-President in October 2021, he is a permanent member of the Industry Research and Energy Committee and a substitute member of the Transport and Tourism Committee. He is currently European Parliament’s rapporteur for the Cyber Resilience Act.

Session 2 – Healthy soils for healthy farming

  • Classic Lounge Room
Moderator
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Anthony van der Ley

CEMA Vice-President, Chief Executive Manager, LEMKEN GmbH & Co. KG
After many years of professional experience in the food and agricultural sector in a management position with companies such as Kverneland Group, Anthony van der Ley is the CEO of LEMKEN GmbH & Co. KG for more the ten years now. Beside this he holds the functions as Vice-President of CEMA , the European Agricultural Machinery Industry Association as well as chairman of VDMA-Landtechnik, the German umbrella organization of machine manufacturers.
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Anthony van der Ley

CEMA Vice-President, Chief Executive Manager, LEMKEN GmbH & Co. KG
After many years of professional experience in the food and agricultural sector in a management position with companies such as Kverneland Group, Anthony van der Ley is the CEO of LEMKEN GmbH & Co. KG for more the ten years now. Beside this he holds the functions as Vice-President of CEMA , the European Agricultural Machinery Industry Association as well as chairman of VDMA-Landtechnik, the German umbrella organization of machine manufacturers.
Speakers
DSCF5974a

Mirco Maschio

President of Maschio Gaspardo SpA
He started his working career in 1998 in Maschio Gaspardo SpA as Asia Sales Area Manager. Afterwards, he played the role of Business Development Manager at the international level. Since 2003, he has been dealing with the realization of the plant in Romania and of the industrial and business development of the market. As a Member of the Board of Directors, together with his brother Andrea, he supported the father Egidio, at that time President, in the development of the company. Member of the Technical Board in CEMA European Agricultural Machinery Association in Brussels in the period 2010/2012. Member of the Board of Directors of the Italian Chamber of Commerce for Romania in the period 2011/2017. Since 2013, he is President of Insieme Si Vince Development Associationc, cluster Indagro Vest. Vice President in the Board of Directors of Confidustria Padova Young Entrepreneurs in the two-year period 2013/2015. Vice President in the Board of Directors of Metalmechanics Section of Confindustria Padova in the two-year period 2014/2015
DSCF5974a

Mirco Maschio

President of Maschio Gaspardo SpA
He started his working career in 1998 in Maschio Gaspardo SpA as Asia Sales Area Manager. Afterwards, he played the role of Business Development Manager at the international level. Since 2003, he has been dealing with the realization of the plant in Romania and of the industrial and business development of the market. As a Member of the Board of Directors, together with his brother Andrea, he supported the father Egidio, at that time President, in the development of the company. Member of the Technical Board in CEMA European Agricultural Machinery Association in Brussels in the period 2010/2012. Member of the Board of Directors of the Italian Chamber of Commerce for Romania in the period 2011/2017. Since 2013, he is President of Insieme Si Vince Development Associationc, cluster Indagro Vest. Vice President in the Board of Directors of Confidustria Padova Young Entrepreneurs in the two-year period 2013/2015. Vice President in the Board of Directors of Metalmechanics Section of Confindustria Padova in the two-year period 2014/2015
Joint ENVI/AGRI committee meeting.Hearing on the Monsanto papers and Glyphosate

Paolo De Castro

Member of the European Parliament
He holds the position of Professor at the University of Bologna and has received numerous national and international awards throughout his academic career. With over 150 scientific publications, his work primarily focuses on food security and the role of international trade in modern society. Paolo De Castro has served as Minister of Agriculture in Italy on three occasions and held the position of Vice-President of the Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food Production in the Senate of the Italian Republic. He also served as a special adviser to the President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, from 2000 to 2002. Since July 2009, Paolo De Castro has been a Member of the European Parliament. He chaired the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development from 2009 to 2014 and played a key role in the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy for the 2014/2020 period. During his second term as a Member of the European Parliament, he held positions such as Vice-Chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and Coordinator of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats for the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development. He is currently a member of the Committees on Agriculture and Rural Development and on International Trade.
Joint ENVI/AGRI committee meeting.Hearing on the Monsanto papers and Glyphosate

Paolo De Castro

Member of the European Parliament
He holds the position of Professor at the University of Bologna and has received numerous national and international awards throughout his academic career. With over 150 scientific publications, his work primarily focuses on food security and the role of international trade in modern society. Paolo De Castro has served as Minister of Agriculture in Italy on three occasions and held the position of Vice-President of the Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food Production in the Senate of the Italian Republic. He also served as a special adviser to the President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, from 2000 to 2002. Since July 2009, Paolo De Castro has been a Member of the European Parliament. He chaired the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development from 2009 to 2014 and played a key role in the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy for the 2014/2020 period. During his second term as a Member of the European Parliament, he held positions such as Vice-Chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and Coordinator of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats for the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development. He is currently a member of the Committees on Agriculture and Rural Development and on International Trade.
Nataliya Zinych

Nataliya Zinych

Corporate Affairs Manager, John Deere GmbH & Co. KG
Nataliya Zinych is Corporate Affairs Manager, responsible for managing advocacy efforts for John Deere in Germany. Nataliya joined Deere in 2009 as Agricultural Economist and Analyst Market Intelligence. In this role, she managed diverse enterprise market research and foresight projects on impacts of macro trends, Ag markets, and policies on Ag equipment industry. Later, Nataliya served as Strategic Projects Manager, Marketing Services EU, CIS, Near and Middle East. Nataliya is actively engaged at CEMA in High-Level Group CO2 & Climate, currently focusing on alternative fuels, carbon farming, and soil health related topics. She is also engaged at the German Association of Mechanical Engineering Industry (VDMA), AmCham Germany, German Agribusiness Alliance, German Digital Association (Bitkom), and Orgalim. Nataliya is a native Ukrainian. She studied Ag Economics and Agribusiness Management in Ukraine and Germany. Nataliya received her PhD in Ag Economics from the Humboldt University of Berlin. Before joining Deere, Nataliya spent over six years working as University Program Coordinator, Lecturer and Research Fellow – both in Ukraine and Germany.
Nataliya Zinych

Nataliya Zinych

Corporate Affairs Manager, John Deere GmbH & Co. KG
Nataliya Zinych is Corporate Affairs Manager, responsible for managing advocacy efforts for John Deere in Germany. Nataliya joined Deere in 2009 as Agricultural Economist and Analyst Market Intelligence. In this role, she managed diverse enterprise market research and foresight projects on impacts of macro trends, Ag markets, and policies on Ag equipment industry. Later, Nataliya served as Strategic Projects Manager, Marketing Services EU, CIS, Near and Middle East. Nataliya is actively engaged at CEMA in High-Level Group CO2 & Climate, currently focusing on alternative fuels, carbon farming, and soil health related topics. She is also engaged at the German Association of Mechanical Engineering Industry (VDMA), AmCham Germany, German Agribusiness Alliance, German Digital Association (Bitkom), and Orgalim. Nataliya is a native Ukrainian. She studied Ag Economics and Agribusiness Management in Ukraine and Germany. Nataliya received her PhD in Ag Economics from the Humboldt University of Berlin. Before joining Deere, Nataliya spent over six years working as University Program Coordinator, Lecturer and Research Fellow – both in Ukraine and Germany.
1-Mark Kibblewhite

Mark Kibblewhite

FIAgrE Director, MK Soil Science Ltd, Emeritus Professor, Cranfield University
Mark Kibblewhite is an Emeritus Professor at Cranfield University and Director of MK Soil Science Ltd. He is a former President of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers in the UK. At Cranfield he was Director of the National Soil Resources Institute. Mark’s research and advisory work centres on soil health and the management of soil carbon, working for a wide range of European agencies, Governments, and agribusinesses. He has a PhD in Soil Science from Aberdeen and an MBA from Cranfield.
1-Mark Kibblewhite

Mark Kibblewhite

FIAgrE Director, MK Soil Science Ltd, Emeritus Professor, Cranfield University
Mark Kibblewhite is an Emeritus Professor at Cranfield University and Director of MK Soil Science Ltd. He is a former President of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers in the UK. At Cranfield he was Director of the National Soil Resources Institute. Mark’s research and advisory work centres on soil health and the management of soil carbon, working for a wide range of European agencies, Governments, and agribusinesses. He has a PhD in Soil Science from Aberdeen and an MBA from Cranfield.
Christian Holzleitner

Christian Holzleitner

Head of Unit Low Carbon Solutions (III): Land Economy & Carbon Removals, DG CLIMA, European Commission
Christian Holzleitner is currently Head of Unit responsible for Land economy and Carbon removals at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Climate Action. Previously, he worked as Head of Unit for Finance for Innovation and Land Use and assistant to the Director-General for Climate Action covering all issues related to EU and international climate policy; and at the Directorate-General for Competition in the area of State aid for services of general economic interest in the postal, transport, and health sectors. Before joining the European Commission, Christian worked as senior manager with KPMG Germany on international transfer pricing. Christian is an economist and holds a PhD from the University of Linz (Austria).
Christian Holzleitner

Christian Holzleitner

Head of Unit Low Carbon Solutions (III): Land Economy & Carbon Removals, DG CLIMA, European Commission
Christian Holzleitner is currently Head of Unit responsible for Land economy and Carbon removals at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Climate Action. Previously, he worked as Head of Unit for Finance for Innovation and Land Use and assistant to the Director-General for Climate Action covering all issues related to EU and international climate policy; and at the Directorate-General for Competition in the area of State aid for services of general economic interest in the postal, transport, and health sectors. Before joining the European Commission, Christian worked as senior manager with KPMG Germany on international transfer pricing. Christian is an economist and holds a PhD from the University of Linz (Austria).

10.30-11.00

Coffee Break

11.00-12.00

Parallel sessions 3 and 4

Session 3 – Renewable and low-carbon fuels by and for farming

  • Classic Lounge Room
Moderator
Thomas Lorf

Dr. Thomas Lorf

Chairman of the CEMA Technical Board, External Consultant, CLAAS KGaA mbH
Thomas Lorf is the chairman of the CEMA Technical Board Since 2020. A German national but operating from Paris, Dr. Lorf is COO of CLAAS Tractors, responsible for R&D and production, He has worked in CLAAS for 28 years. The CEMA Technical Board is the leading technical body within CEMA. It manages Europe’s leading industry experts from manufacturers of agricultural machinery and national trade associations to discuss and decide on the industry’s views on the regulatory aspects of EU legislation impacting farm machinery.
Thomas Lorf

Dr. Thomas Lorf

Chairman of the CEMA Technical Board, External Consultant, CLAAS KGaA mbH
Thomas Lorf is the chairman of the CEMA Technical Board Since 2020. A German national but operating from Paris, Dr. Lorf is COO of CLAAS Tractors, responsible for R&D and production, He has worked in CLAAS for 28 years. The CEMA Technical Board is the leading technical body within CEMA. It manages Europe’s leading industry experts from manufacturers of agricultural machinery and national trade associations to discuss and decide on the industry’s views on the regulatory aspects of EU legislation impacting farm machinery.
Speakers
Ivo_Hostens

Ivo Hostens

Technical Director, CEMA – European Agricultural Machinery Industry Association
Dr. Ivo Hostens is the Technical Director of CEMA, the European agricultural machinery industry association. His main responsibility in CEMA lies with digitalisation and new technologies, also in relation to sustainability as in CO2 emissions from agricultural vehicles and plant protection products application. His main target to optimise technical legislation and standards for the industry to ensure the highest possible protection levels for safety, security and the environment whilst keeping a high freedom to innovate and reduce unnecessary burdens for the agricultural machinery industry.
Ivo_Hostens

Ivo Hostens

Technical Director, CEMA – European Agricultural Machinery Industry Association
Dr. Ivo Hostens is the Technical Director of CEMA, the European agricultural machinery industry association. His main responsibility in CEMA lies with digitalisation and new technologies, also in relation to sustainability as in CO2 emissions from agricultural vehicles and plant protection products application. His main target to optimise technical legislation and standards for the industry to ensure the highest possible protection levels for safety, security and the environment whilst keeping a high freedom to innovate and reduce unnecessary burdens for the agricultural machinery industry.
DEU, Deutschland, Berlin-Mitte, Friedrichstr. 55a, 18.06.2020: Algara Castle; Mitarbeiterportrait - für von Beust & Coll. Beratungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG (www.vbcoll.de). [Foto + ©: Dietmar Gust / vbcoll; Fon: +49 (0)172 3016574; www.gustfoto.com, e-mail: info@gustfoto.de]

Algara Castle

Head of EU Affairs, eFuel Alliance
Algara Castle is head of EU affairs of the eFuel Alliance based in Brussels. She oversees issues related to renewable energy, sustainable mobility and engages in regular dialogue with relevant stakeholders. With more than seven years of experience as a spokesperson in the European Parliament, she provides expertise on EU policy and regulation, communications and outreach to European decision-makers across a range of sectors.
DEU, Deutschland, Berlin-Mitte, Friedrichstr. 55a, 18.06.2020: Algara Castle; Mitarbeiterportrait - für von Beust & Coll. Beratungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG (www.vbcoll.de). [Foto + ©: Dietmar Gust / vbcoll; Fon: +49 (0)172 3016574; www.gustfoto.com, e-mail: info@gustfoto.de]

Algara Castle

Head of EU Affairs, eFuel Alliance
Algara Castle is head of EU affairs of the eFuel Alliance based in Brussels. She oversees issues related to renewable energy, sustainable mobility and engages in regular dialogue with relevant stakeholders. With more than seven years of experience as a spokesperson in the European Parliament, she provides expertise on EU policy and regulation, communications and outreach to European decision-makers across a range of sectors.
GM

Gilles Mayer

Head of Global Tractor & Telehandler Product Management for Alternative Fuels, New Holland Agriculture
With a diverse skill set encompassing Controlling, Sales, Marketing, Network Development, Project Management, and Product Management, he have built a comprehensive career path characterized by innovation and global experience. He began his journey in the automotive industry, where He spent 14 years at Valeo. His transition into the agricultural domain at CLAAS marked the start of an exciting new chapter. In 2017, he joined New Holland/CNH as Business Director France and Global Product Management. In 2019, his journey took an environmentally conscious turn as he delved into the realm of alternative energy, aligning his career with sustainability goals. His international experience, including living in the UK, Germany, Malaysia, and his native France, provided him with a global perspective and the ability to adapt to diverse business environments.
GM

Gilles Mayer

Head of Global Tractor & Telehandler Product Management for Alternative Fuels, New Holland Agriculture
With a diverse skill set encompassing Controlling, Sales, Marketing, Network Development, Project Management, and Product Management, he have built a comprehensive career path characterized by innovation and global experience. He began his journey in the automotive industry, where He spent 14 years at Valeo. His transition into the agricultural domain at CLAAS marked the start of an exciting new chapter. In 2017, he joined New Holland/CNH as Business Director France and Global Product Management. In 2019, his journey took an environmentally conscious turn as he delved into the realm of alternative energy, aligning his career with sustainability goals. His international experience, including living in the UK, Germany, Malaysia, and his native France, provided him with a global perspective and the ability to adapt to diverse business environments.
TB

Tim Burnhope

Group Director – Special Projects, JCB
Tim Burnhope graduated from the University of Northumbria in 1989 with an Honours degree in mechanical engineering and in 1991 Tim completed an MBA course at Newcastle University Business School. After 10 years with Caterpillar in the Construction Manufacturing Industry Tim joined JCB in 1999 as Engineering Manager in the Loadall telescopic handler business unit. He quickly progressed to the role of Chief Engineer, responsible for designing the new generation JCB telescopic handler range. Tim ultimately became Managing Director of Loadall in 2001 – doubling the turnover of the business unit – before taking on the enlarged role of Managing Director of both the Loadall and Backhoe Loader business units in 2005. Tim became JCB’s Director of European Sales in 2006, and eighteen months later in 2008, was promoted to the position of Managing Director, JCB Sales. In January 2009, he became Group Director, Product Development before being appointed Group Managing Director, Product Development and Commercial Operations in January 2010. He was appointed Chief Innovation & Growth Officer on 1 January 2012 with responsibility for research, product development, engineering, and strategic growth planning for the JCB Group. On 18th August 2023 Tim was appointed Group Director – Special Projects with a view to concentrating on the overall success of hydrogen as a zero carbon fuel for the future. Tim was elected Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE) in 2015, only the third person in JCB’s 70-year history to receive the coveted accolade. Tim is a Chartered Engineer and became a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in 2014 and a Fellow of Institution of Agricultural Engineers in 2017.
TB

Tim Burnhope

Group Director – Special Projects, JCB
Tim Burnhope graduated from the University of Northumbria in 1989 with an Honours degree in mechanical engineering and in 1991 Tim completed an MBA course at Newcastle University Business School. After 10 years with Caterpillar in the Construction Manufacturing Industry Tim joined JCB in 1999 as Engineering Manager in the Loadall telescopic handler business unit. He quickly progressed to the role of Chief Engineer, responsible for designing the new generation JCB telescopic handler range. Tim ultimately became Managing Director of Loadall in 2001 – doubling the turnover of the business unit – before taking on the enlarged role of Managing Director of both the Loadall and Backhoe Loader business units in 2005. Tim became JCB’s Director of European Sales in 2006, and eighteen months later in 2008, was promoted to the position of Managing Director, JCB Sales. In January 2009, he became Group Director, Product Development before being appointed Group Managing Director, Product Development and Commercial Operations in January 2010. He was appointed Chief Innovation & Growth Officer on 1 January 2012 with responsibility for research, product development, engineering, and strategic growth planning for the JCB Group. On 18th August 2023 Tim was appointed Group Director – Special Projects with a view to concentrating on the overall success of hydrogen as a zero carbon fuel for the future. Tim was elected Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE) in 2015, only the third person in JCB’s 70-year history to receive the coveted accolade. Tim is a Chartered Engineer and became a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in 2014 and a Fellow of Institution of Agricultural Engineers in 2017.

Session 4 – Precision agriculture: growing crops with less

  • Minerva Room
Moderator
1-AMalavolti2

Alessandro Malavolti

CEMA Vice-President, CEO, AMA Spa
Born in Italy in 1971, he graduated in Business Administration at the University of Modena (Italy). He joined the family business – the AMA group, leader in the production and distribution of components and accessories for agricultural and lawn care machinery – after completing his studies in 1994, and held various positions of responsibility within the company until becoming CEO in 1998. Member of the Board of the Territorial Association of Confindustria of Reggio Emilia from 2007 to 2011 and of the Executive Council from 2011 to 2013, then permanent invitee in the Extended Body of Unindustria Reggio Emilia from 2015 to 2017. Director of FederUnacoma from 2006 to 2012, President of Comacomp (Association of Component manufacturers) from 2012 to 2017, Vice President of FederUnacoma from 2013 to 2017, President of FederUnacoma from 2017 to 2023 and Vice-President of CEMA from 2022.
1-AMalavolti2

Alessandro Malavolti

CEMA Vice-President, CEO, AMA Spa
Born in Italy in 1971, he graduated in Business Administration at the University of Modena (Italy). He joined the family business – the AMA group, leader in the production and distribution of components and accessories for agricultural and lawn care machinery – after completing his studies in 1994, and held various positions of responsibility within the company until becoming CEO in 1998. Member of the Board of the Territorial Association of Confindustria of Reggio Emilia from 2007 to 2011 and of the Executive Council from 2011 to 2013, then permanent invitee in the Extended Body of Unindustria Reggio Emilia from 2015 to 2017. Director of FederUnacoma from 2006 to 2012, President of Comacomp (Association of Component manufacturers) from 2012 to 2017, Vice President of FederUnacoma from 2013 to 2017, President of FederUnacoma from 2017 to 2023 and Vice-President of CEMA from 2022.
Speakers
KB

Klaus Berend

Director for Food safety, Sustainability, and Innovation, DG SANTE, European Commission
Dr. Klaus Berend joined the European Commission in 1994 and is currently Director for the Directorate Food Safety, Sustainability and Innovation in the European Commission’s Directorate-General Health and Food Safety. Before, he was Head of Unit responsible for the implementation of the Pesticides and Biocides legislation in the same Directorate-General. Earlier, he was Head of Unit in the European Commission’s Directorate-General Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship & SMEs, in charge of the implementation of the EU Regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). Previously, he was Head of Unit in DG Enterprise & Industry, responsible for EU legislation on the Classification, Labelling and Packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), detergents, fertilisers, drug precursors, explosives and pyrotechnic articles. The Unit also dealt with the sustainability and competitiveness of the chemicals industry in the European Union. He was Deputy Head of Unit in the Commission’s Directorate General for Environment, Unit Biotechnology & Pesticides, where he co-ordinated the work concerning biocides, plant protection products and the Community’s participation in the Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent (PIC). He studied chemistry at the universities of Heidelberg, Freiburg, and Stanford, and obtained a PhD in polymer chemistry from the University of Freiburg (Germany).
KB

Klaus Berend

Director for Food safety, Sustainability, and Innovation, DG SANTE, European Commission
Dr. Klaus Berend joined the European Commission in 1994 and is currently Director for the Directorate Food Safety, Sustainability and Innovation in the European Commission’s Directorate-General Health and Food Safety. Before, he was Head of Unit responsible for the implementation of the Pesticides and Biocides legislation in the same Directorate-General. Earlier, he was Head of Unit in the European Commission’s Directorate-General Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship & SMEs, in charge of the implementation of the EU Regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). Previously, he was Head of Unit in DG Enterprise & Industry, responsible for EU legislation on the Classification, Labelling and Packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), detergents, fertilisers, drug precursors, explosives and pyrotechnic articles. The Unit also dealt with the sustainability and competitiveness of the chemicals industry in the European Union. He was Deputy Head of Unit in the Commission’s Directorate General for Environment, Unit Biotechnology & Pesticides, where he co-ordinated the work concerning biocides, plant protection products and the Community’s participation in the Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent (PIC). He studied chemistry at the universities of Heidelberg, Freiburg, and Stanford, and obtained a PhD in polymer chemistry from the University of Freiburg (Germany).
Herbert Dorfmann

Herbert Dorfmann

Member of the European Parliament
He is an Italian MEP for the Südtiroler Volkspartei, part of the European People’s Party. Dorfmann was re-elected to the European Parliament in 2019, having firstly been elected in 2009. He is a member of the committee on agriculture and rural development (AGRI). Dorfmann is also a substitute member in the committee on budgets (BUDG), committee on economic and monetary affairs (ECON) and committee on regional development (REGI). Dorfmann’s political career started when he became the mayor of his hometown, Feldthurns, in 2005. Prior to that he was director of the agriculture department at the Bolzano Chamber of Commerce and went on to direct the South Tyrolean Farmers’ Federation for nearly ten years. Dorfmann started his professional career as a professor at the Agricultural College in Ora. Dorfmann holds a degree in Agrarian Sciences from Piacenza.
Herbert Dorfmann

Herbert Dorfmann

Member of the European Parliament
He is an Italian MEP for the Südtiroler Volkspartei, part of the European People’s Party. Dorfmann was re-elected to the European Parliament in 2019, having firstly been elected in 2009. He is a member of the committee on agriculture and rural development (AGRI). Dorfmann is also a substitute member in the committee on budgets (BUDG), committee on economic and monetary affairs (ECON) and committee on regional development (REGI). Dorfmann’s political career started when he became the mayor of his hometown, Feldthurns, in 2005. Prior to that he was director of the agriculture department at the Bolzano Chamber of Commerce and went on to direct the South Tyrolean Farmers’ Federation for nearly ten years. Dorfmann started his professional career as a professor at the Agricultural College in Ora. Dorfmann holds a degree in Agrarian Sciences from Piacenza.
19-07-04 Bogovic portrait Str-33

Franc Bogovič

Member of the European Parliament
Born on 2nd February 1963 in Koprivnica, Slovenia, Franc Bogovič graduated from the Agronomy College in 1984 and became an Agricultural Engineer. His professional career constitutes of several different posts, such as agricultural extension expert, agricultural trade entrepreneur, Mayor of Krško Municipality, member of Slovenian National Assembly and Minister of Agriculture and Environment. On 2 March 2013, Bogovič was elected President of the Slovene People’s Party, the position he held until 6th December 2014. Bogovič is currently serving his second term as a Member of the European Parliament.
In his current term in the European Parliament, Bogovič is focusing on farming and food security, at the forefront of which are the softening and improvement of the EU regulation on the sustainable use of pesticides (SUR), ensuring the competitiveness of European and Slovenian industry, economy, and the energy sectors, where he as the rapporteur of the Committee for industry, research and energy (ITRE) prepared a report on Small Modular Reactors (SMR). He advocates for the Union’s strategic autonomy in the energy sector with further investments in nuclear energy. As a rapporteur of the Committee on Regional Development (REGI), he prepared an opinion on the Critical Materials Regulation with an emphasis on the EU’s strategic, coordinated, and global actions, aimed at securing and improving access to critical and strategic raw materials for Europe, without which the green and digital transformation will not be successful.
19-07-04 Bogovic portrait Str-33

Franc Bogovič

Member of the European Parliament
Born on 2nd February 1963 in Koprivnica, Slovenia, Franc Bogovič graduated from the Agronomy College in 1984 and became an Agricultural Engineer. His professional career constitutes of several different posts, such as agricultural extension expert, agricultural trade entrepreneur, Mayor of Krško Municipality, member of Slovenian National Assembly and Minister of Agriculture and Environment. On 2 March 2013, Bogovič was elected President of the Slovene People’s Party, the position he held until 6th December 2014. Bogovič is currently serving his second term as a Member of the European Parliament.
In his current term in the European Parliament, Bogovič is focusing on farming and food security, at the forefront of which are the softening and improvement of the EU regulation on the sustainable use of pesticides (SUR), ensuring the competitiveness of European and Slovenian industry, economy, and the energy sectors, where he as the rapporteur of the Committee for industry, research and energy (ITRE) prepared a report on Small Modular Reactors (SMR). He advocates for the Union’s strategic autonomy in the energy sector with further investments in nuclear energy. As a rapporteur of the Committee on Regional Development (REGI), he prepared an opinion on the Critical Materials Regulation with an emphasis on the EU’s strategic, coordinated, and global actions, aimed at securing and improving access to critical and strategic raw materials for Europe, without which the green and digital transformation will not be successful.
Doris Marquardt

Doris Marquardt

Programme officer EU policies, DG CNECT, European Commission
She works for the European Commission, in the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development since July 2019 focussing on Research and Innovation, on the digitalisation of the agricultural sector and rural areas and policy systems, in particular. She completed her PhD in agricultural policies at the Martin-Luther University, Halle-Wittenberg, Germany and holds a diploma (Msc) in Environmental Planning from the Technical University of Munich, Weihenstephan. She held positions at the European Environment Agency, the German Permanent Representation, the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the European Network for Rural Development Contact Point, the Germany-based Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Development in Central and Eastern Europe, the Center of Rural Economy in Newcastle, United Kingdom, and the European Academy in Bolzano, Italy. She has experiences in the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy in several EU Member States, including Romania, Italy and Germany. She served as expert in policy design, agriculture, and rural and regional development in the wider European region in projects commissioned by, e.g. the World Bank, UNEP and FAO.
Doris Marquardt

Doris Marquardt

Programme officer EU policies, DG CNECT, European Commission
She works for the European Commission, in the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development since July 2019 focussing on Research and Innovation, on the digitalisation of the agricultural sector and rural areas and policy systems, in particular. She completed her PhD in agricultural policies at the Martin-Luther University, Halle-Wittenberg, Germany and holds a diploma (Msc) in Environmental Planning from the Technical University of Munich, Weihenstephan. She held positions at the European Environment Agency, the German Permanent Representation, the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the European Network for Rural Development Contact Point, the Germany-based Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Development in Central and Eastern Europe, the Center of Rural Economy in Newcastle, United Kingdom, and the European Academy in Bolzano, Italy. She has experiences in the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy in several EU Member States, including Romania, Italy and Germany. She served as expert in policy design, agriculture, and rural and regional development in the wider European region in projects commissioned by, e.g. the World Bank, UNEP and FAO.
Giulia Castoldi

Giulia Castoldi

Marketing Director, BCS S.p.A
Giulia Castoldi represents the third generation in her family’s company BCS S.p.A., based in Abbiategrasso, Italy. Since 2020 she is the Head of marketing department of BCS Group. Before joning BCS, she worked in the marketing department for EMMI Italia S.p.A., headed by Emmi Group, a leading manufacturer of high-quality dairy products in Switzerland (from 2012 to 2013). After this experience Giulia joined BCS in 2014, as Project Manager for BCS Group and was later promoted to Head of Marketing for MOSA, a division of BCS Group specialized in the production of generating sets and engine driven welders. Giulia Castoldi holds a Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Business strategy and a Bachelor degree in Psychological sciences and techniques. She is a member of the Board of Federunacoma, the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufactures Federation. She is a member of the Board of Assolombarda, the largest territorial association of the entire entrepreneurial system in the country. Assolombarda is part of Confindustria (Italian Entrepreneurial Association).
Giulia Castoldi

Giulia Castoldi

Marketing Director, BCS S.p.A
Giulia Castoldi represents the third generation in her family’s company BCS S.p.A., based in Abbiategrasso, Italy. Since 2020 she is the Head of marketing department of BCS Group. Before joning BCS, she worked in the marketing department for EMMI Italia S.p.A., headed by Emmi Group, a leading manufacturer of high-quality dairy products in Switzerland (from 2012 to 2013). After this experience Giulia joined BCS in 2014, as Project Manager for BCS Group and was later promoted to Head of Marketing for MOSA, a division of BCS Group specialized in the production of generating sets and engine driven welders. Giulia Castoldi holds a Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Business strategy and a Bachelor degree in Psychological sciences and techniques. She is a member of the Board of Federunacoma, the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufactures Federation. She is a member of the Board of Assolombarda, the largest territorial association of the entire entrepreneurial system in the country. Assolombarda is part of Confindustria (Italian Entrepreneurial Association).

12.00-12.30

Closing remarks

Jelte Wiersma

Jelte Wiersma

CEMA Secretary General
Mr. Jelte Wiersma is the Secretary General of CEMA – the European Association representing the Agricultural Machinery manufacturers in Europe. CEMA’s members are 11 National Associations and the biggest seven tractor manufacturers in Europe. Mr. Wiersma, a Dutch national, worked since 2014 as EU-correspondent for the leading Dutch weekly, covering on European affairs, including agriculture, and agri-food-related issues. He is one of the founding members of the Holland House in Brussels.
Jelte Wiersma

Jelte Wiersma

CEMA Secretary General
Mr. Jelte Wiersma is the Secretary General of CEMA – the European Association representing the Agricultural Machinery manufacturers in Europe. CEMA’s members are 11 National Associations and the biggest seven tractor manufacturers in Europe. Mr. Wiersma, a Dutch national, worked since 2014 as EU-correspondent for the leading Dutch weekly, covering on European affairs, including agriculture, and agri-food-related issues. He is one of the founding members of the Holland House in Brussels.
1-Thierry Krier

Thierry Krier

CEMA President, President & CEO KUHN Group
Thierry Krier is the President and CEO of KUHN GROUP and KUHN S.A.S., based in Saverne, France. He spent his whole career with the KUHN GROUP, starting in 1990 as International Sales Manager for KUHN S.A. in Saverne, France, and successively moving to Vice President Sales and Marketing (from 1994 to 1995), Executive VP (from 1995 to 2003), President (from 2003 to 2007) of KUHN FARM MACHINERY, Inc., in Vernon, New York. In 2008 he became CEO and Chairman of KUHN NORTH AMERICA, Inc., in Brodhead, Wisconsin & KUHN KRAUSE, Inc., in Hutchinson, Kansas. Thierry Krier holds a Master’s in International Business and a Bachelor degree of Science in Agronomy/Crop Science. He is a member of the Board of VDMA, German Farm Machinery Manufacturers Association. Since 2020 he is the President of the Board of Directors of CEMA, the European Agricultural Machinery Industry Association.
1-Thierry Krier

Thierry Krier

CEMA President, President & CEO KUHN Group
Thierry Krier is the President and CEO of KUHN GROUP and KUHN S.A.S., based in Saverne, France. He spent his whole career with the KUHN GROUP, starting in 1990 as International Sales Manager for KUHN S.A. in Saverne, France, and successively moving to Vice President Sales and Marketing (from 1994 to 1995), Executive VP (from 1995 to 2003), President (from 2003 to 2007) of KUHN FARM MACHINERY, Inc., in Vernon, New York. In 2008 he became CEO and Chairman of KUHN NORTH AMERICA, Inc., in Brodhead, Wisconsin & KUHN KRAUSE, Inc., in Hutchinson, Kansas. Thierry Krier holds a Master’s in International Business and a Bachelor degree of Science in Agronomy/Crop Science. He is a member of the Board of VDMA, German Farm Machinery Manufacturers Association. Since 2020 he is the President of the Board of Directors of CEMA, the European Agricultural Machinery Industry Association.

12.30-13.30

Lunch

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CEMA aisbl - European Agricultural Machinery Industry Association

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