The Commission will publish at the end of April an action strategy on the agri-food sector called “Farm to Fork”. This strategy covers the entire sector, from animal farming and agricultural practices to the point of sales. The plan should set out five pillars for action: reducing the use of pesticides and chemicals in agriculture, promoting organic farming, reducing food wastage, a new regulatory framework for livestock farming, and new food marketing rules. The entire agri-food sector is therefore facing a comprehensive reform of the regulatory framework.
In more detail, the strategy will provide for a reduction in pesticide use through legally binding, quantified targets. The Commission is also considering introducing a legislative proposal to harmonise the information given on the packaging of food products. This would concern in particular the nutrient profile as well as the origin of the products. In addition, a survey to assess food waste will be launched soon, which could have an impact on food marketing regulations. Finally, animal farming is to be radically reformed. The Commission advocates a shift from a meat-based to a vegetable protein-based diet for livestock. Furthermore, rules will be put in place to encourage carbon capture.
The measures to be announced in the plan will be open for public consultation in the near future. It is therefore essential for companies and associations in the agri-food sector to make their voices heard in Brussels, but also in Berlin and Paris in order to promote their interests.