What does "authentic food" really mean?
For a farmer, it may mean honest production. For a producer, traceability. For a retailer, trust. For a consumer, transparency.
But in a globalized food system under constant pressure from complex supply chains to economic volatility and climate stress, authenticity is no longer just a value. It is a responsibility. And this May, that responsibility has a meeting point.
The 1st Authentic Food Festival & Conference (AFFC)
On 27–28 May 2026, the European Food Fraud Community of Practice is organizing the 1st Authentic Food Festival & Conference (AFFC) at University College Dublin. This two-day event is dedicated to strengthening trust in food systems. The first edition will bring together farmers, researchers, food safety authorities, industry leaders, policymakers, students, and food fraud professionals for two days of discussion, exchange, and hands-on engagement.
But this is not just another conference.
It is a space where science meets practice. Where policy meets production. Where theory meets the realities of the field.
Why authenticity matters, especially for producers
Food fraud is not only a regulatory issue. It affects:
- Producers who compete unfairly against fraudulent operators
- Exporters who depend on reputation and traceability
- SMEs navigating complex certification systems
- Consumers who expect transparency
Authenticity protects honest businesses, and protecting authenticity requires collaboration across disciplines, from cognitive psychology and trade economics to forensic accounting and corruption prevention.
From unexpected insights to real-world pressure
The AFFC agenda reflects this cross-sector approach.
In the session "Fraud Insights from Unexpected Places," experts from psychology, economics, forensic investigation, and humanitarian corruption prevention explore what different sectors can teach us about detecting and preventing fraud in food systems.
In "Clinic: Under Pressure," experienced moderators from Deloitte, Eurofins, and academia guide participants through high-stakes scenarios, examining what really happens when food integrity systems are tested in real time.
And in the interactive "Roundtable: Good Practices & Shared Insights," participants exchange practical experiences and proven approaches for strengthening food authenticity across Europe. This is not passive listening. It is active dialogue.
You can find the full agenda at https://www.eff-cop.eu/festival, as the above are just three from many sessions you will be able to attend.
A community, not just an event
The Authentic Food Festival & Conference is organized by EFF-CoP, the European Food Fraud Community of Practice. EFF-CoP connects researchers, enforcement authorities, laboratories, food businesses, and policymakers across Europe with one goal: to strengthen cooperation, knowledge exchange, and innovation in food authenticity and fraud prevention.
The Festival is a natural extension of this community, bringing people together in person to move from discussion to action.
Who should attend?
- Farmers and producers concerned about fair competition
- Food businesses working on traceability and certification
- Researchers and students in food safety, authenticity, or supply chains
- Policymakers and regulators
- Fraud prevention and compliance professionals
If you work in the food system, authenticity concerns you.
Event details
Dates: 27–28 May 2026
Location: University College Dublin, Ireland
Registration & Information: https://www.eff-cop.eu/festival
Student Rate Available: €25 (€20 early bird until 31 March 2026). Students can email [email protected] (proof of university registration required).
Seats are limited.
But more importantly, trust in food systems is not unlimited, and EFF-CoP is working hard to strengthen it. Authenticity is not automatic. It is built, protected, and defended. And this May, in Dublin, the conversation begins.
Learn more about the European Food Fraud Community of Practice at www.eff-cop.eu
