6.4.2022
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
C 152/67
3.3.2.
The EC has committed to promote sustainable food systems in Europe and internationally.
This can only be achieved if the legislative framework provides a true level playing field between EU companies producing sustainable food and third-country companies, to enable strong, resilient and sustainable production.
EU trade policy must ensure that imports are held to Europe’s high standards with regard to social and environmental sustainability.
Trade agreements are instrumental in ensuring a level playing field between the internal market and imports, in safeguarding the competitiveness (14) of European sustainable food producers and in guaranteeing a fair income.
3.4.
Role of well-designed supply chains: improving packaging and logistics systems to achieve climate neutrality goals 3.4.1.
In the context of largely global supply chains, local sourcing, including through diversified suppliers, is important to reduce the environmental impact of food value chains, not least in terms of logistics, and promotes local economies.
As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, local food is increasingly being seen as synonymous with quality and consumers are focusing more on this aspect.
Furthermore, a good balance between imported and locally produced food would appear to be an appropriate strategy to achieve more robust and resilient food systems.
3.4.2.
Sustainable packaging consists of the use of biodegradable and reusable materials, promoting recycling among consumers.
New findings by the chemical industry and integrating these findings into business practices are generating innovative solutions to environmental problems.
Families of completely biodegradable and compostable bioplastics already exist, generated from agricultural biomass, which create a completely circular flow.
Sometimes biodegradable materials also contribute to a longer shelf life, resulting in even greater added value.
3.4.3.
Reducing indirect emissions from the food chain can also be achieved by shifting to low-impact logistics vehicles, developing more efficient, better organised and, where appropriate, shorter supply chains, strengthening local grocery shops, more widespread digitisation and improving logistics infrastructure.
3.5.
Promoting education and transparent labelling 3.5.1.
More responsible consumption and greater attention on the part of public authorities, businesses and consumers to sustainable and healthy diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, are key to achieving more sustainable food systems (15).
It is also about better understanding the ecological relationships and the ‘value of food’: the impact of food losses and waste, the role of regional economic circles, transport logistics, importance for strategic food self-sufficiency, etc.
3.5.2.
In order to promote such change, education systems are fundamental (16).
Food companies can also play a significant role if they commit themselves to educating consumers, and children in particular, on the importance of sustainable food production and consumption.
They need to continue their efforts towards more sustainable and healthier products (17).
They should also adopt responsible codes of conduct for marketing practices.
Food companies can also promote healthy and sustainable lifestyles through their labels, marketing campaigns, social media, company canteens and corporate communication policies.
Labelling practices should highlight the contribution of each product to a healthy and sustainable diet.
In this context, a transparent labelling framework for food products would support the consumer in making informed and more sustainable buying decisions.
(14)
(15) (16) (17)
‘In order for a comprehensive European food policy to be truly relevant for European consumers, it is essential that the food produced sustainably in the EU is competitive.
This means that the European agri-food sector is able to deliver food for the consumers at prices that include extra costs for criteria such as sustainability, animal welfare, food safety and nutrition but also a fair return to the farmers, and at the same time maintains its position as the preferred choice for the vast majority of consumers.’
Opinion Civil society’s contribution to the development of a comprehensive food policy in the EU, paragraph 5.8 (OJ C 129, 11.4.2018, p. 18).
EESC opinion on Promoting healthy and sustainable diets in the EU (OJ C 190, 5.6.2019, p. 9).
EESC opinion on Promoting healthy and sustainable diets in the EU (OJ C 190, 5.6.2019, p. 9).
EESC opinion on Promoting healthy and sustainable diets in the EU (OJ C 190, 5.6.2019, p. 9).