Dr. Hicham Fatnassi is an internationally recognized expert in horticulture and a Research Engineer at INRAE in Avignon, France. He holds a Ph.D. in environmental physics applied to greenhouse climate modeling, awarded jointly by INRAE Avignon and the Faculty of Sciences of Agadir. With over 23 years of experience, he specializes in the design of sustainable crop production systems in controlled environments.

From 2021 to 2023, he served as Senior Horticulture Scientist at the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture in Dubai, contributing to the adaptation of protected cropping systems to arid climates. Author of major scientific publications, with an h-index of 30 and over 2,690 citations, he plays a key role in advancing innovative technologies for sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.

Rougui Ali holds an Executive MBA from ISCAE, a Systems Information Analyst diploma from the National School of Computer Science and Systems Analysis, and a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from the Faculty of Sciences in Rabat.

She has held several leadership positions within the Development and Coordination Directorate, including Head of the Information Systems Division, Head of the Studies and Prospecting Department, and Head of the Monitoring Department.

Laura Fry is the Consumer Insights Director for Fresh Products at Kantar Worldpanel in London. For over three years, she has managed the Waitrose account, helping to shape its commercial strategy through analysis of consumer behavior and retail data.

She now co-leads a team of eight experts, advising more than 80 clients and helping them identify growth opportunities. With a data-driven approach and deep understanding of market trends, Laura has become a key voice in the fresh products sector.

She regularly speaks at industry events to share her insights on retail evolution and growth dynamics. Laura holds a degree from the University of Manchester.

Mark Titterington is the co-founder and CEO of the Forum for the Future of Agriculture, a unique platform in Europe and internationally that brings together NGOs and companies to develop new ideas and solutions for a more resilient and sustainable food system.

Mark has spent nearly his entire career in the food and agriculture sector, holding strategic and executive leadership positions in public policy, partnerships, sustainability, marketing, and communications, including roles at Indigo Ag and Syngenta.

He began his career at the United Nations, focusing on banana trade. Additionally, Mark has served as CEO of Engineering UK and is a Senior Fellow at the Transatlantic Policy Network.

Peter Klapwijk is a plant architect, inspirer, and strategist, recognized for his practical expertise in cultivation, lighting, and horticultural innovations.

A former grower, he has advised horticultural companies worldwide on cultivation techniques and organizational matters. He is also the founder of the Improvement Centre, an innovation hub where the latest advances in horticultural technologies are tested and showcased. Today, he collaborates with leading companies on new developments in cultivation and innovation.

Paolo Battistel is a renowned Italian agronomist and international consultant, specializing in greenhouse technologies and soilless cultivation. With over 30 years of experience, he has advised major companies and organizations, including the United Nations, UNIDO, and the European Union, on innovative production, vertical farming, and sustainable practices. His projects have had an impact in Morocco, Russia, Egypt, and across Europe.

A respected trainer and speaker, he supports agronomists and researchers through specialized programs. His innovative mindset continues to shape the future of agriculture and global sustainability.

Salima Berkani is the Co-CEO of AGDIA EMEA. She holds a Master’s degree in Plant Genomics as well as an Executive Master in Marketing and Business Strategy from HEC Paris.

She has extensive experience in plant genomics and plant disease diagnostics. Since 2016, Salima has been leading AGDIA EMEA’s operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, playing a key role in the company’s growth in the agricultural diagnostics sector.

Founded in 1981, AGDIA specializes in detecting plant pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and GMOs. The company continues to develop innovative diagnostic solutions to support sustainable agriculture and crop protection through the early detection of plant diseases.

Marco Mammella began his career studying fungal plant pathogens such as Verticillium and Colletotrichum. He then completed a PhD between Italy and the USDA (California) on the oomycete Phytophthora nicotianae, contributing to advances in population evolution using molecular and biological approaches.

In the vegetable seed sector, he has strengthened his expertise by identifying genetic resistances in Solanaceae against various pathogens, including viruses such as ToCV, ToMV, PepMV, CMV, and more recently ToBRFV. He has played a key role in research on ToBRFV, with Nunhems being one of the pioneers and remaining among the most committed players in finding solutions to the global impact of this virus on tomato 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.

Tahar Hamdani is an agritech entrepreneur passionate about innovation. With 10 years of experience in multinational agricultural companies, he identified major challenges related to digitalization and process optimization.

In response, he founded PCS AGRI, a company that democratizes the use of artificial intelligence in agriculture. His goal is to provide producers with accessible and efficient technological solutions, enhancing productivity and profitability. Through his expertise and vision, he supports the digital transformation of the agricultural sector on an international scale.