Currently responsible for agriculture, bioeconomy and environmental policies at the European Industrial Hemp Association, Francesco has a 10 years long experience in working with agrofood policies in Brussels. After 2 years in the liaison office of Puglia region to the EU, he joined the Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Commission for a bluebook traineeship. After two years working for Pernod Ricard SA on health, trade and agricultural policies affecting the spirits and wine sector, he gained a more horizontal and extensive experience within the European Federation of Farmers and Farming Cooperatives (Copa-Cogeca), where he was responsible for the olive & olive oil, flax, cotton, hemp, spirits, wine and hops sectors.