Fostering sustainable and resilient food systems at times of growing crises (NAT/935)

Background  

Growing crisis situations and their risks to the agri-food sector highlight the urgent need for improved coordination and contingency planning to safeguard the EU’s food supply and security. The Hungarian Presidency has tasked the EESC with preparing an opinion on sustainable and resilient food systems, addressing the unprecedented challenges faced by European agriculture and fisheries. This opinion will contribute to discussions on shaping a competitive, crisis-proof future for the sector, focusing on fair returns for farmers and fishers, and affordable, sustainable food. It also emphasizes the need for stronger crisis management tools, innovation, and a comprehensive European food policy.

Key points:

The EESC:

  1. believes that EU agriculture, fisheries, and food policies must better address challenges such as pandemics, climate change, and conflicts. Improved crisis tools, fair pricing, and financial support are essential to ensuring food security, strategic autonomy, and fair incomes for producers.
  2. points out the need to prioritize sustainability by restoring soil health, improving water use, rewarding eco-friendly practices, and addressing unfair trading like below-cost pricing. Supporting local and sustainable food chains is equally important.

  3. recommends encouraging young people and women into the sector. Increased budgets, disaster insurance, fair trade practices, and creating a European food council will strengthen resilience and drive innovation.

     

    EESC section: Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment (NAT)

    Opinion number: NAT/935-EESC-2024

    Opinion type: Exploratory

    Rapporteurs: Arnold PUECH d’ALISSAC (FR-Employers Group), Piroska KÁLLAY (HU-Workers Group) Joe HEALY (IE-Civil Society Organisations Group )

    Date of adoption by section: 02/10/2024

    Date of adoption in plenary: 23  October 2024

    Result of the vote in plenary: