Mercedes is an accomplished Senior Innovation Programme Manager at the European Institute of Innovation & Technology in Food (EIT Food) and a recognized expert in the field of food innovation. At EIT Food, Mercedes provides strategic vision and guidance on food system innovation and sustainable resource management, at both a European and international level. She supports EIT Food in making the food system more sustainable, healthy, and trusted on a global level. She currently leads the Sustainable Aquaculture focus area at EIT Food. During her 24-year career, Mercedes has worked closely with national and European organisations and institutions, including the University of Oxford, large corporates and start-ups. While managing the European Common Agricultural Policy in northern Spain, she worked with farmers on food safety, quality, and the importance of sustainability and environmental impact. Mercedes is currently completing a master in Sustainable Aquaculture at St Andrew’s University in the UK and holds an MA in Nutrition and Agricultural Engineering, focusing on agri-food industries, along with certificates in Open Innovation from University of Oxford, and Design and Management of European programmes. Above all, she is passionate about driving real change, believing that NOW is the time to act to build a better world for all.
