Keynote Speakers

Fabio Del Bravo

Head of the Unit “Services for Rural Development”, ISMEA

Fabio Del Bravo (Montepulciano, Italy, 23/08/1965) graduated in Agricultural Sciences – economic area. Since 1995, he has been working in ISMEA (the Institute for Agri-food Market Services) where currently he is head of the Unit “Services for Rural Development”. ISMEA is a public body subject to the supervision of the Italian Ministry for agricultural, food and forestry policies. The Institute supports producing and managing market services and tools for the agro-food sector in different branches: above all market monitoring, economical and statistical analysis, financial and land services; it is also involved in the National Insurance Agricultural Service managing a reinsurance Fund.
In his role of head of Unit, he is mainly involved in managing activities such as coordination of projects and resources; economic-financial analysis of the agro-food market; evaluation of the impact of EU and national agricultural policies; design of support services for agro-food operators; participation in consulting meetings for national policies on the agro-food market at the Italian Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies and other institutions associated with the ISMEA administration.
In the “Services for rural development” Unit of ISMEA, some activities are oriented to market monitoring and development of products with Geographical Indication, which in Italy have a relevant role. Fabio is one of the scientific coordinators of the yearly publication “Report on PDO and PGI Agrofood and Wine Products”. Moreover, in the Unit a toolset has been developed for supporting the activities of consortia of protection. Finally, regarding the activity area of IG, the Unit is realizing a training project to develop the skills of both consortia and enterprises involved in IG production.

Speech title:

• Economic role, trend and evolution of PDO/PGI products in Italy and Europe (Workshop: Good risk management requirements, trust in labels-claims & best practices, May 10th, 2.30 – 3.30 pm)

Chris Elliott

Queen’s University Belfast

Chris is currently Professor of Food Safety and founder of the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University Belfast. He serves as Pro Vice Chancellor for the university and is responsible for the Medical and Life Sciences Faculty. He has published more than 350 peer review articles, many of them relating to the detection and control of agriculture, food and environmental related contaminants. His main research interests are in the development of innovative techniques to provide early warning of toxin threats across complex food supply systems. Protecting the integrity of the food supply chain from fraud is also a key research topic and Chris led the independent review of Britain’s food system following the 2013 horsemeat scandal. Over the years Chris has developed a high level network of collaborators across Europe, the United States and Asia. He is a visiting Professor at the China Agriculture University in Beijing and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a recipient of a Winston Churchill Fellowship and is an elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Royal Society of Biology and the Institute of Food Science and Technology.

Speech title:

• Food Integrity: a global perspective (May 11th, 11.30 – 11.55)
  

Barbara Gallani

Head of EFSA’s Communications and External Relations Department

Barbara Gallani is Head of EFSA’s Communications and External Relations Department.
She was listed as one of the UK Top 100 Scientists by the Science Council in January 2014 for her work on the application of science and evidence to ensure proportionate regulation. Barbara has extensive experience of communicating complex issues in the areas of food safety, authenticity and research to lay audiences; managing incidents and food scares; and developing and delivering specialist training courses on risk communication for UK and global audiences.
Barbara is a Chartered Scientist and Fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) and has 16 years of professional experience, both in the public and private sector.
Before joining EFSA, she worked in the UK at the Food and Drink Federation, at the British Retail Consortium and at the UK Food Standards Agency, including a secondment to the European Commission (DG SANCO) and a BA Media Fellowship on science communication at the Daily Telegraph. She also worked at the European Consumers’ Organisation (BEUC) in Brussels.
Barbara holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, a Post Graduate Certificate in Education PGCE (Physics and Sciences) and a Master’s Degree in Advanced Instrumentation Systems.
(source: http://www.efsa.europa.eu/)

Speech title:

• Food safety implications in the context of food authenticity (May 10^th, 9.00 – 9.25)
  

François Guyon

Service Commun des Laboratoires

After his Ph-D in electrochemistry, he joined, as a post-doctoral fellow the team of Pr. Buffle in Geneva to study metal transport mechanism through supported liquid membrane.
Then he spent a year in Los alamos (New Mexico, USA) as a temporary staff member in the team of Dr. Gottesfeld to work on a fuel cell program.
In 2001, he was recruited by the Service Commun des Laboratoires in Bordeaux to supervise the isotope unit. Since then, his work is devoted to the control of beverages and to the development of stable isotope applications for food authenticity.

Speech title:

• Control of wine authenticity: a Label Story! (May 10^th, 2.30 – 3.30 pm – Workshop: Good risk management requirements, trust in labels-claims & best practices)
  

Gerald A. Herrmann

Partner and Director of Organic Services GmbH

Gerald A. Herrmann, an agricultural engineer, is a pioneer in the organic sector. He is a worldwide renowned specialist and organic industry expert and speaker. Since the 1980s, he has been engaged in developing the organic sector.
He spent about two decades shaping Naturland e.V., an international farmers’ association and private organic certifier, as an organic farm consultant, its President and Executive Director.
For close to 20 years, he also served voluntarily in different capacities at IFOAM – Organics International, including as its President. Today he is a partner and director of Organic Services GmbH, an international strategy- and management consultancy, specializing in the organic (food) sector, sustainability and development matters.

Speech title:

• Italy’s Organic Grain Sector comes together and implements an Integrity Management System that combats food fraud (May 10^th, 2.30 – 3.30 pm – Workshop: Good risk management requirements, trust in labels-claims & best practices)
  

Tim Johnston

Food Standards Agency, UK

Tim Johnston graduated from the University of Exeter, after studying Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research. Tim has since spent over 15 years in Government analysis, working in four different government departments. During that time, Tim has:

• Classified food complaints submitted by members of the public;
• Designed an interactive dashboard for performance of Food Business Operators;
• Carried out process mapping and case studies to review how effectively the food recall process works;
• Analysed carbon pledges for the 2015 Paris United Nations climate change conference;
• Analysed responses to the consultation for a new High Speed rail line, which received more replies than any other UK transport consultation;
• Measured standards of lorries and compliance with driving hours regulations;
• Forecasted driving test demand;
• Monitored public transport performance during the London 2012 Olympics;
• Investigated the effectiveness of mediation to resolve workplace disputes.

Speech title:

• The use of social media: identifying norovirus outbreaks and other future directions (May 10^th, 11.25 – 11.50)

Luciano Navarini

Head of Research & Scientific Coordination – illycaffè S.p.A

Luciano Navarini is the Head of Research & Scientific Coordination at illycaffè S.p.A. a leading Italian coffee roasting company. He graduated in Chemistry at the University of Trieste (Italy) and he collaborated with several industrial R&D Depts. (pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food sector) and national and international Research institutions. He spent two years as an Associate Expert in Chemistry at the International Centre for High Science and Technology of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. He is active in several Research fields including food and coffee chemistry, carbohydrates, polysaccharides and biopolymers, food foams & emulsions, physicochemical characterization and sensory perception. Dr Navarini is co-inventor of   more than 10 industrial patents and author of more than 80 scientific papers published on international peer-reviewed Journals. He has participated as spokesman or invited speaker to several national and international Conferences and Congresses. Luciano Navarini is Board member of ASIC (International Association for Coffee Science), member of the Technical Advisory Committee of the World Coffee Research and Full Professor at University Master – I and II level- on “Coffee Economics and Science Ernesto Illy” classes on “Coffee Characterization” – Collaboration between University of Udine, University of Trieste,  International School for Advanced Studies (Trieste) and Illycaffè S.p.A.

Speech title:

• Rapid Authentication of coffee blends: old problem, new methods (May 10^th, 14.30 – 14.55)
  

Marco Nocetti

Head of Consortium of Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese Technical Service

Marco Nocetti graduated in Veterinary Medicine (University of Bologna) in 1986.
Since 1988 to 2005 worked in Modena Farmer Association as head of Extension  Services and Veterinary Laboratory. Services were addressed either to farmers or to dairy makers.
Since 2005 he’s the head of Consortium of Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese Technical Service dealing with planning and management of:

• Research and development activity, based on strong partnerships with various research centers;
• Coordination of extension services to dairies, provided either directly or by external structures;
• Information and training for cheese makers about Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese production process and safety;
• Technical support to Consortium surveillance and protection activity;
• Chemical and microbiological analysis;
• Acquisition and monitoring of data about product quality.

Speech title:

• Analytical tools for protecting the PDO cheese Parmigiano Reggiano (May 10^th, 2.30 – 3.30 pm – Workshop: Good risk management requirements, trust in labels-claims & best practices)
  

Luca Ponzi

Rai – Radio Televisione Italiana

Luca Ponzi is a journalist and news correspondent for Rai – Radio Televisione Italiana in Emilia Romagna.
He reported for Rai on Parmalat’s bancrupcy, and was among the firsts to investigate Mafia’s presence in northern Italy.
He has published several books, including Cibo Criminale, an investigation into the infiltration of organized crime into the food chain, in 2011. Subsequently, he has given lectures, and spoken at conferences, about the Mafia in various universities throughout Italy.
He received The Eco and the City Giovanni Spadolini Award from Foundation Spadolini for his reports of the earthquake in Emilia Romagna in 2012.

Speech title:

• “Journalistic Video-Shock Talk” on food frauds and food crime (May 11th, 9.25 – 9.45)
  

Massimo Sacco

R&D and Quality Assurance Director at PONTI S.p.A

Dr. Massimo Sacco has a Master’s degree in Agronomic sciences. Currently, he is R&D and Quality Assurance Director at PONTI S.p.A, one of the main vinegar producing companies in Italy.

He is a qualified internal auditor for food production for several industries; he works as a consultant about production, safety and quality standard certifications such as BRC, IFS and GMP as well; he holds a PCQI certificate in compliance with the US Food Safety Modernization Act.
Dr. Sacco worked as a dairy plant director from 1982 to 1984 and has over 30 years’ experience in technical assistance and quality assurance in dairy plants and cheese factories; he is expert in cheese production processes and cheese starter cultures application.
Since 2009, he is a certificated Sommelier and Official Taster of AIS (Italian Sommeliers Association), an organisation in which he also gained experience in wine culture, communication, promotion and food-wine pairing techniques; since 2005 he also holds wine tasting classes and organises educational events concerning oenology.

Speech title:

• Tools for protecting the IGP Aceto Balsamico di Modena (May 10^th, 2.30 – 3.30 pm – Workshop: Good risk management requirements, trust in labels-claims & best practices)

Sergio Tirrò

Carabinieri NAS

Sergio Tirrò is an officer with the rank of Major of Carabinieri and he is the Head of training section of Carabinieri for Public Health since 2002.
His primary concern is to train N.A.S. officers in law enforcement procedures, sampling procedures, anti-counterfeiting activity and to research and provide legal guidance on EU and national legislation, predominantly related to food and
medicines.
Due to his professional background, he drafts detailed prosecution reports for the State attorney involving litigations with the private sector (specifically liability actions against N.A.S. for actions that occur during the course of their duties).
In order to improve operational capability of Carabinieri N.A.S., and to facilitate and promote international enforcement action against transnational and organised criminals engaged in counterfeiting food and medicines, Major Sergio Tirrò was nominated, on behalf of Carabinieri for Public Health Headquarters, single point of contact (SPOC) of P.F.I.P.C. (Permanent Forum on
International Pharmaceutical Crime) and F.L.E.P. (Food Law enforcement Practicioners).
In the years 2010-2014, he acted as Project manager of the project “BACCUS: comBAting food Crime by strengthening law enforcement Cooperation” within the ISEC “Prevention of and fight against crime” programme framework.
Moreover, in 2013 he was nominated Driver of the EMPACT crime priority Counterfeit Goods (“to disrupt OCGs involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit goods violating health, safety and food regulations and those producing sub-standard goods”) of the EU policy Cycle 2014-2017 at Europol.

Speech title:

• Counterfeiting of food and public health impact: priority for EU Law Enforcement Agencies (May 11^th, 9.00 – 9.25)

Beatriz Torres

International Featured Standards

Beatriz Torres has an university degree in Agricultural Engineering at Polytechnic University of Valencia (Spain), also a Master of Science in Biosystems Engineering at University College of Dublin (UCD) and Master in Business Administration at Chamber of Commerce  of Valencia and Institut d’Administration des Entreprises de Paris.
She has held a research position under a Marie Curie Fellowship in Teagasc Food Research Centre, Dublin, where she has been closely involved in developing projects about identification of consumer preferences regarding agri-food products.
She joined International Featured Standards (IFS) in 2014.
Her professional competences focus on food safety and the quality of processes and products.  She is a member of technical working group of IFS and leads the food fraud topic. Furthermore, she maintains an active interest in consumer demand issues relating to food quality.

Speech title:

• Strategies of quality management system against Food Fraud (May 10^th, 9.25 – 9.50)
  

Stefano Vaccari

ICQRF/ Law Enforcement Body of Italian Ministry of Agriculture

Born in Rome in 1963, Stefano Vaccari is currently Head of the Department of Central Inspectorate for fraud repression and quality protection of the agrifood  products – ICQRF.
He works at the Italian Ministry of agriculture food and forestry policies since 31 years.
Following to his agricultural/technical studies at the high school, he has graduated both in Economics and in Law.
Currently, he is an effective component of the “Consiglio superiore dei lavori pubblici” maximum technical advisory body of the Italian State.
During his long carrier he has played several roles:

• Director general of agro-food development and quality of the Ministry of Agriculture;
• Director general of executive services of the Ministry of Agriculture;
• Commissioner at the Ente Nazionale Risi (the National Body for Rice);
• Member of the Committee on the elaboration of proposals for action on the reform of crimes related food, at the Ministry of Justice;
• Deputy Chief of the Legal Office of the Ministry of Agriculture;
• Manager at the Cabinet of the Minister;
• Officer of the National Forestry Corps.

He has directly participated in drafting the Italian law on the orientation of agriculture and the forestry sectors.
Stefano Vaccari has issued many publications and books on agricultural policies and expenditure and He has taught at several Universities, cooperating with the major Italian research institutes of agriculture.

Speech title:

• Economic aspects about food integrity and challenges connected to e-commerce (May 10^th, 11.00 – 11.25)

Rosa Vañó

Founding Partner of Castillo de Canena Olive Juice

Degree in Business Administration & Economics Sciences from the Madrid Complutense University, has a long professional career and an extensive experience in management acquired in well recognized multinational companies in different sectors. After holding several positions of responsibility in multinational companies – the last nine years in The Coca-Cola Company as a Business Unit Manager -, in 2003 she founded Castillo de Canena Olive Juice, positioning the brand as a reference of innovation and quality within the Premium olive oil market worldwide in short time.
During these years running Castillo de Canena, Rosa María Vañó has managed to consolidate the international expansion of the company, already available in more than 50 countries; a brilliant growth based on the high quality and prestige of its oils, validated with many national and international awards.
The Agriculture Ministry of Spain has already awarded Castillo de Canena twice: In 2013 for its commitment to internationalization, and in 2016 for producing the ‘Best Intense Fruity EVOO’ with its Family Reserve Picual; this same extra virgin olive oil has won the “Mario Solinas” first prize of the International Olive Council in 2016, among other pretigious awards.
Since 2013, the company has been leading the prestigious Italian Flos Olei Guide with maximum score during the last five years. In 2016 it was also distinguished by this italian guide as “The Best Olive Oil Company in the World”.
In the 2015/16 harvest, Castillo de Canena has been awarded with important prizes in other italian competitions as: Sol d’Oro in Verona, First position in BIOL and “The Best International Fruity EVOO” at the Leone d’oro.
Other important international awards of this fruitful year presenting the different references of Castillo de Canena portfolio have been: “The Best EVOO of the Competition” by the Evooleum Guide, “Gold” in the German Guide Der Feinschmecker, “Premier” in Olive Japan, “Gold” in China Olive Oil competition.
Since 2011, Rosa is member of the Florentina Georgofilli Academy, the oldest Agricultural Academy in Europe; Vice-President of the Andalusian Academy of Gastronomy; Councilor of the Caja Sur Foundation; member of the Agri-Food Council of IESE Barcelona; Advisor of the editorial board of Diario de Jaen; member of the Council of the Extra Virgin Alliance Organization (USA); Advisor of the Interprofessional Olive Oil Council, and member of the Olive Council of Junta de Andalucía. In 2008, she received the Entrepreneur Woman of the Year Award.

Speech title:

•  (May 10^th, 2.30 – 3.30 pm – Workshop: Good risk management requirements, trust in labels-claims & best practices)

Huw Watkins

UK Intellectual Property Office

Huw Watkins MA is the Head of Intelligence at the UK Intellectual Property Office. Reflecting the global nature of the threat of counterfeiting and piracy, Huw’s work involves working closely with rights holders and industry, where their brands have been affected. Huw’s team of researchers, intelligence officers and analysts then convert the information to intelligence products to support criminal investigations against organized crime groups in the UK and beyond.
A former police officer, Huw’s work in serious and organized crime, covert policing and high risk public protection matters led him to study for a Master’s degree in Childhood Studies. His research into Child Sexual Exploitation led to the implementation of a safeguarding operation in 2010 which is still in place today.
Huw’s role as the UK lead for OPSON, the Interpol food crime initiative has enabled him to work with what he describes as ‘wonderful and passionate’ subject matter experts from across the world. Having been part of the team investigating the 2005 e Coli outbreak in Wales resulting in the death of a 5 year old child, Huw has personal experience of the human factors of food crime.
In addition to his work for the UK Government, Huw has been invited to speak at conferences in the Middle East, Europe and SE Asia on the UK model of collaboration. He claims to be a keen traveler, either by motorcycle or by camping car, taking great delight in sampling local delicacies and wines.

Speech title:

• Food Fraud: Intellectual Property aspects and Building national awareness of Food Crime (May 10^th, 9.50 – 10.15)