With the announcement of the European Green Deal expected today, FoodDrinkEurope is stepping forward with the contributions and commitments of the European food and drink industry to create more sustainable food systems.
Over the last decades, the European food and drink industry has been a responsible and constructive partner in addressing the economic, social, and environmental pillars of sustainability in the food chain. However, growing challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and malnutrition affect our sector – and society alike – now more than ever.
That is why today we are determined to multiply our efforts to help achieve more sustainable food systems and effectively implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In this context, and building on our efforts and achievements to date, we will work collectively to:
- Generate inclusive and sustainable growth;
- Meet citizens’ needs and consumer demands, including through:
- Provision of nutritional and environmental information on food and drink products;
- Supporting healthier and more sustainable diets;
- Nurture a sustainable planet, including through:
- Supporting sustainable farming;
- Ensuring more sustainable global sourcing;
- Contributing to the EU climate neutrality target by 2050;
- Moving towards a more responsible and efficient use of natural resources and a circular economy.
With this orientation paper, we aim to pave the way for a sustainable future with stronger links between food, people and the planet, while making recommendations for EU actions on food security and sustainability.
Mella Frewen, Director General of FoodDrinkEurope commented: “Our industry remains as dedicated as ever to achieving more sustainable food systems. Simply put, sustainability is the right thing for our businesses, for our society, and for our planet. With this orientation paper we hope to build on our actions to date and demonstrate our further commitments to delivering a sustainable and healthy future for all.”
A swift transition towards more sustainable food systems requires engagement and co-operation from all actors of the food supply chain.
The paper can be viewed here.