In a significant step towards creating a sustainable food system, the European Union continues to forge ahead with its ambitious 'Farm to Fork' strategy, part of the broader EU Green Deal. Launched in May 2020, this comprehensive initiative aims to transition the EU towards a fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly food system. However, the journey has been marked by varying paces of implementation, debates on its objectives, and critiques regarding its impact on agricultural production. The European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) reveals the current state of play of the strategy in a recent report.
Progress and Achievements
Since its inception, the 'Farm to Fork' strategy has seen the European Commission deliver on several key initiatives, including recommendations to EU countries on common agricultural policy strategic plans, a contingency plan for food security in crisis times, and the adoption of new rules for the marketing of plant protection products and the collection of sustainable farming data. Additionally, a code of conduct for responsible food business and marketing practices was introduced in July 2021, marking a significant step towards more sustainable food production and consumption practices within the EU.
Key achievements include:
- Recommendations to EU Countries: Adoption of the 2020 recommendations on common agricultural policy (CAP) strategic plans.
- Contingency Plan for Food Security: Introduction of a 2021 contingency plan to ensure food supply and security during crises.
- Responsible Food Business Code: Implementation of the EU code of conduct for responsible food business and marketing practices as of July 2021.
- Pesticide and Sustainable Farming Regulations: New rules for the marketing of plant protection products with biological substances (2022) and the collection of data on sustainable farming practices (2023).
- Corporate Sustainability Directive: Proposal of a directive on corporate sustainability due diligence with a provisional text agreed upon by the Parliament and the Council.
- Carbon Farming: Adoption of a proposal on rules for certifying carbon removals on farms, currently under negotiation.
- New Genomic Techniques (NGTs): Forwarding of a proposal on NGTs, with the Parliament adopting its position in 2024.
- Animal Welfare Legislation: Proposal put forward on the welfare of animals during transport, with further legislative proposals on animal welfare aspects pending.
- Agricultural Marketing Standards: Provisional agreement reached on marketing standards for certain agricultural products (2024) and ongoing work on proposals for plant and forest reproductive material (2023).
- Food Waste Reduction Targets: Proposal of legally binding targets to reduce food waste, although less ambitious than initially outlined in the strategy.
Legislative Developments and Ongoing Initiatives
The strategy has catalysed various legislative and non-legislative initiatives. Notably, the Commission proposed directives on corporate sustainability and rules certifying carbon removals on farms. New genomic techniques and animal welfare during transport have also been addressed, alongside efforts to establish marketing standards for agricultural products and legally binding targets to reduce food waste.
Despite these advances, several proposed initiatives, such as a framework for sustainable food systems and revised food labelling rules, remain pending. The delay in these areas has sparked discussions on the strategy's effectiveness and its ability to meet the EU's sustainability and climate objectives.
Criticisms and the Path Forward
The 'Farm to Fork' strategy has not been without its critics. The absence of an initial impact assessment raised concerns about potential negative effects on agricultural production. The ongoing global challenges, including the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, have further fuelled debates over the strategy's implications for food security. In response to criticisms, the Commission has assured that impact assessments for individual initiatives will be provided.
Looking ahead, the EU is now focusing on a strategic dialogue on the future of agriculture, initiated in January 2024. This dialogue aims to engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders to explore ways to ensure a sustainable and thriving future for the EU food system, balancing the need for a fair standard of living for farmers with climate targets and technological innovation.
As the EU moves forward with its 'Farm to Fork' strategy, the focus will remain on balancing the ambitious goals of environmental sustainability, food security, and economic viability for farmers. The strategy's success will depend on the ability to navigate the complexities of implementing a comprehensive and cohesive approach to transforming the EU's food system.
