Europe’s industry chief calls for a common sustainable food systems framework in the EU
The EU agrifood policy for the next mandate should focus on providing food chain operators with a common framework for food systems that promotes sustainability, according to Dirk Jacobs, director general of FoodDrinkEurope. The organisation represents major food and beverage companies like Mondelēz, Nestlé, Coca-Cola, and Unilever.
The Commission introduced the Farm to Fork Strategy (F2F) in 2020 as part of the Green Deal to enhance the sustainability and health of the EU’s food system. However, the proposal for an EU-wide legal framework for a sustainable food system was not unveiled due to regulatory fatigue among economic sectors, especially agri-food.
Jacobs emphasized the need for a framework that aligns industry players towards sustainability and criticized the Commission’s top-down approach to sustainable food policies. He advocated for a co-creation system that incentivizes farmers and producers to invest in sustainability.
While some sustainability efforts were supported by large food companies in the previous mandate, challenges remain in implementing environmental laws that directly impact the industry, such as the EU’s anti-deforestation regulation (EUDR).
Despite criticisms from NGOs and opposition to certain regulations, Jacobs acknowledged the Commission’s shift towards a more collaborative approach with industry stakeholders. The strategic dialogue on the future of agriculture, launched in January, aims to address concerns within the agri-food sector.
Jacobs also called for better coordination among different Commission departments handling Green Deal legislation affecting the agri-food industry. He proposed a centralised role within the Commission to unite agriculture and food portfolios for improved policy alignment and coordination.
In conclusion, Jacobs stressed the importance of bringing food higher onto the political agenda for the competitiveness, sustainability, and security of Europe. Better-coordinated policies and a focus on sustainability are essential for the future of the food industry in the EU.
SOURCE
John Peterson graduated with a degree in Agricultural Sciences from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. His specialization is in sustainable crop production and soil health management. John is passionate about integrating modern technology with traditional farming methods to enhance productivity while preserving the environment. He currently works as a consultant, helping farmers adopt sustainable practices.