Funding & membership

EUFIC is an independent non-profit organisation, registered under Belgian law as an AISBL (Association internationale sans but lucratif) under number 0456 866 931.

EUFIC strategy aims to keep private funding below 45%, ideally around 35%. In 2024, 65% of our funding came from public sources, 33% from our membership and 2% from other sources. The individual financial contribution from private-sector organisations’ is capped at maximum 3.5% of the prior year EUFIC’s income.

Why we work with a diversity of stakeholders

EUFIC believes that addressing today’s societal challenges requires collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

As a neutral convener, EUFIC works with academia, industry, healthcare practitioners, science communicators, and civil society, fostering multi-stakeholder approaches to encourage dialogue and develop effective solutions for the benefit of people. This approach helps us understand the different perspectives, sensitivities, and challenges, different food actors face around EUFIC’s priority topics.

Public sector stakeholders

EUFIC engages and collaborates with public sector entities, for example in projects funded by the European Commission or from our associate membership. Our work with the public sector includes organisations such as:

• Academic and research institutions: Universities and research institutes from Europe and beyond (e.g. University College Dublin, Eurofir, INRAE, University of Bologna, FINS, Wageningen University).
• International organisations and government entities: Institutions such as FAO, WHO, European Commission, as well as national government agencies and ministries from European countries.
• Third sector and civil society organisations: Non-profits and civil society groups (e.g. Food Banks, Caritas), including patient organisations, healthcare professionals’ associations (e.g. FENS, EFAD, EASO), consumer organisations, city networks, science museum networks, among others.

Private sector

To support the achievement of our mission, a wide range of organisations can join EUFIC as members, including private-sector organisations. EUFIC’s private-sector membership fees, together with public-sector funding sources, allow us to amplify our resources and enable us to pursue our mission of promoting healthier and more sustainable diets and lifestyles.

EUFIC is independent from its funders who do not gain influence over EUFIC’s work in return for their financial support and their financial contribution comes as unrestricted funds. EUFIC does not lobby for specific interests nor promote individual companies' views, brands, or products.

Membership

A diversity of organisations join EUFIC as members, ranging from universities, healthcare professional associations, civil society organisations to private sector companies. Their joint fees enable EUFIC to implement activities for the benefit of people.

Our 'How we stay independent' page explains what mechanisms we have put in place to maintain independence and ensure that our activities remain impartial, evidence-based, and focused on the public good, regardless of our sources of funding.

Benefits of becoming a member

Joining EUFIC’s Membership Program offers a range of valuable benefits to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing across sectors.

• Raising the profile of science: Support EUFIC’s mission to deliver impartial, evidence-based information on food and health.
• Combatting misinformation: Few sectors are as vulnerable to myths and misinformation as the food and health sectors. EUFIC ‘Food Facts’ reports and myth-busting work redress incorrect information appearing in the media. EUFIC also works on building bridges between journalists and experts and organises online events on topics appearing regularly in the media.
• Staying ahead of trends: Gain insights into the latest developments in food science, nutrition and health research, and consumer behaviour.
• Networking and gateway to EU Projects: Engage and participate in EU Projects to further support responsible research and innovation efforts. EUFIC’s role as a convener and facilitator of science-based discussion provides a neutral ground to exchange with other stakeholders.
• Consumer Research: EUFIC ensures members stay informed with a steady stream of up-to-date information from diverse research groups.

Membership application process

• Membership fees are variable and depend on your organisation’s size and financial capacity.
• Applications undergo a diligent process to ensure alignment with our vision, goals, and operating principles.
• Final approval is voted by EUFIC’s Board of Directors.
• Successful applicants must comply with our Code of Conduct and Operating Principles.

If you are interested in exploring EUFIC membership for your organisation, please send an email to the EUFIC Membership Program.

Current members