In the context of the food security situation and high food prices, after two years of COVID-19 pandemic and as a consequence of the war in Ukraine, the Commission has decided to accelerate the transformation of food systems by actively engaging in the United Nations’ Eight Global Coalitions for Action. Hence, the European Commission has published a Communication and postponed two legislative proposals on nature restoration and pesticide use. Likewise, the European Parliament has published a draft resolution to ensure food security in- and outside the EU in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
In its draft resolution the European Parliament mentions the retail sector twice, for the first time recognizing the difficult role of the retail sector between consumers and producers as retailers are expected to ensure fair returns to producers, but in equal measure, their responsibility to ensure that food remains affordable and accessible for consumers. The draft resolution also calls for the development of alternative options for retailers regarding food loss and waste, such as facilitating reduced price promotions or the donation of food.
The renewed commitment of the Commission to the eight coalitions is a follow-up of the United Nations Food Systems Summit that took place on 23-24 September 2021. The Summit put the need of transforming food systems and making them more sustainable, while delivering healthy, nutritious and affordable food, high on the global agenda.
The coalitions gather national representatives, civil society organisations, researchers and international organisations to achieve transformation action in the field of food security. The Commission will be a key partner in the eight coalitions on:
- Food is never waste;
- Healthy Diets from Sustainable Food Systems for Children & All;
- School Meals;
- Aquatic and Blue Foods;
- Agro-ecology;
- Zero Hunger;
- Fighting food crises along the Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus;
- Sustainable Productivity Growth.
Furthermore, the Commission published a Communication on “Safeguarding food security and reinforcing the resilience of food systems”:
- a support package of €500 million;
- more advances of direct payments, as well as area- and animal-related rural development measures, to farmers as of 16 October 2022;
- market safety-net measures;
- an exceptional and temporary derogation to allow the production of any crops for food and feed purposes on fallow land;
- specific temporary flexibilities to existing import requirements on animal feed.
You will find additional details in the press release of the European Commission.
Finally, the European Commission will delay the publication of two proposals on nature restoration and pesticide use originally slated to be unveiled earlier. The delay is due to concerns about the impact of the war in Ukraine on the farm sector and its possible consequences for food supplies.
