New JRC Report on EU Policies for Sustainable Food Systems: EFFOP´s Response

The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) released a comprehensive report on 17 July 2024, titled “Towards Sustainable Food Systems: An Analysis of EU Policy Measures Setting Environmental Sustainability Requirements” (link). This in-depth report scrutinizes EU policies aimed at enhancing the environmental sustainability of food systems across Europe.

Central Research Questions

The report is organized around four central research questions:

1. Environmental Impacts of EU Food Systems: What are the environmental impacts and the related relevant activities?
2. Future Projections: How might the environmental impacts of the EU food system evolve without further policy action?
3. Policy Measures Effects: What are the effects of specific policy measures on the environmental impacts of the food system?
4. Policy Coverage: What is the coverage of different types of policy measures concerning actors in the food system and environmental impacts?

Key Findings

The report’s findings underscore the fragmented nature of the current EU policy framework and the significant lack of coordination, implementation, and governance, particularly in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture management.

Moreover, the report highlights the need for involvement of European stakeholders, companies, and associations and emphasizes the need for a holistic and integrated policy that encompasses all facets of sustainability and considers the entire food system.

EFFOP’s Response

EFFOP support several of the report’s messages, particularly those concerning the sound management and optimal use of resources 

• Sustainable Fisheries Management: EFFOP supports the rigorous management of fish stocks to ensure long-term sustainability, aligning with the report’s emphasis on maintaining healthy fish populations and ecosystems. EFFOP promotes responsible fishing practices and catch quotas based on scientific advice.
• Resource Efficiency: EFFOP advocates for the use of trimmings from the fish processing industry to produce fishmeal and fish oil, reducing waste and contributing to a circular economy. This approach aligns with the report’s call for greater resource efficiency within the food system. By supporting the use of fish trimmings, EFFOP is significantly reducing the environmental footprint of the fishing industry, in line with the report’s emphasis on reducing the environmental impact of the food system. By ensuring that no valuable resources are lost in the production process, EFFOP members contribute directly to feed and food systems that are both environmentally and economically sustainable.

Conclusion

The JRC report highlights the need for a paradigm shift in EU food policy, advocating for integrated and holistic measures to enhance sustainability. EFFOP’s initiatives demonstrate the potential for industry-led solutions to complement policy frameworks, driving forward the vision of a sustainable and resilient European food system.