Independent Dialogue
Geographical focus:
European Union, Greece
Major focus
Creating food systems that provide healthy food to everyone today and in future generations without exploiting human or planetary resources is one of the greatest challenges of this century. Sustainability is multifaceted and food systems represent not only environmental factors (ecology), but are also sensitive to the health of the population today and in the future (nutrition, food security), and society as a whole (ethics and social welfare). Trust and transparency in the food system is essential for any sustainability intervention to be meaningful and motivate change in individuals or indu
... Read morestries. Food Labelling Systems have the ability to accelerate the transition to sustainable and healthy food systems and a sustainable future, by increasing transparency along the food chain. They are themselves dynamic and complex, involving a multitude of changeable and inter-related activities, actors, and infrastructure from the production to the consumption and recycling or disposal of food. At every point there can be multiple environmental effects related to biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., carbon dioxide, methane), and the use of land, water, or other resources. All these factors complicate the ability to create a metric or index that can trace a product as it journeys through the food system to assess its environmental, health, or social impacts. Food consumption and dietary choices can make an important contribution to meeting current environmental challenges, informing the consumer in a way that can promote sustainable and responsible consumption. As a result, the development and use of sustainability labelling has the potential to play a role in moving towards sustainable and healthy food systems and a sustainable future, as outlined in the aims of the “Farm-to-Fork Strategy” and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The reach of food labelling is considerable and could increase public awareness of how food is produced and consumed. The Independent Dialogue convened in Greece in the context of the United Nations Food System Summit explored the issue of sustainable food labelling, under the lens of the Summit’s five interconnected Action Tracks. Being the only contribution of Greece to the UNFSS, the aim of the Independent Dialogue was to raise awareness of the Summit and the importance of food labelling in fostering sustainable food systems. Participants engaged in a participatory process on sustainable food labelling schemes that integrate the Summit’s five Action Tracks. To complement this process, a Public Survey (September to December 2021) is going to assess consumption habits and perceptions towards different food labelling systems in Greece. The outcomes of the Independent Dialogue and the results of the Public Survey are expected to provide useful insights for informing sustainable food system policy at the national and EU level. Read less
Action Track(s): 1, 2, 3, 4
Keywords: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Governance, Human rights, Innovation, Policy