الاتحاد الأوروبي
Discussion topic outcome
Sustainable production Participants discussed the pressure on production from supermarkets, with prices unchanged in many years. It was pointed out that techniques have been developed to produce more food at a lower price, but that higher production often comes at the expense of quality and flavour. One participant suggested that local animal breeds and plant varieties are being lost and that, while some actions are being carried out in this sphere, more protection is needed. Participants agreed that lots of food is wasted in fields, processing warehouses and at other points in the supply chai
... قراءة المزيدn as minor cosmetic defects are considered a reason to throw produce away. Changing policies dictate how farmers work, but there is a lack of reward for nature-positive production. While there is a need for diversification, including urban farming solutions, some participants pointed out that it can be difficult for farmers to take steps into different methods of production. They often have large debts and need financial and technical support to transition. Participants agreed that eating patterns have changed in recent decades, with meat consumption increasing and a lack of connection between people and the food they eat. In addition, the loss of knowledge within certain demographic groups of how to store and use leftover food safely is resulting in unnecessary waste. It was felt that these are areas where information campaigns and education can play an important role. One participant suggested that reform of conventional agriculture is not sufficient to meet the demands of projected increases in meat consumption. Cell culture and plant-based alternatives were cited as possible solution but the technology hasn’t been widely embraced and private start-ups working in this area face regulatory hurdles. There was broad consensus on the need for a fairer food environment, with wages that enable people to afford good-quality, healthy, sustainable food. Particularly in the current climate, consumers will generally choose the cheapest option. Sustainability is not a priority for everyone, and not everyone has the information they need. While price is the primary driver, a lack of clear information is a problem. Participants largely agreed that a government mandate for universal, clear, trustworthy labelling with a product’s environmental footprint and other sustainability aspects, as well as information campaigns about what makes a sustainable diet, would allow people to make better-informed decisions. Taxes on less sustainable products could help to change habits. One participant raised the need to address the amount of revenue that goes to producers of, for example, coffee, which is consumed around the world. Solutions need to be global and systemic and make full use of available technologies. Participants discussed the need for citizens to be involved and organised to bring about change. Two participants highlighted the potential of cooperatives to help farmers to organise, obtain funds and public procurement and tackle the necessary administration. Technological intervention needs to be done quickly and collaboratively, with science and policymakers working alongside farmers and citizens for the benefit of everyone. Small farmers should be incorporated in decisions and policy, and the media has a responsibility to show different approaches to food production. On shortcomings in previous sustainability initiatives, participants said authorities have so far taken a short-term view, and that it is necessary to look at what will benefit citizens on the long-term, and accept that there will be a cost. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic requires a new business model, some group members said, with a need for research into changing consumer behaviour and attitudes to pricing, waste and other issues. In the polls, participants felt that management (50%) and restoration (42%) were the most important of the UN’s three approaches for nature-positive production, followed by protection (8%). They highlighted reducing food waste (75%) and reducing pesticide use (58%) as the Farm to Fork initiatives most able to transform the EU's food system. قراءة القليل
مسار (مسارات) العمل: 2, 3
الكلمات الأساسية: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Human rights, Innovation, Policy, Trade-offs