This kick-off meeting was attended by about 25 representatives from different private companies and national associations such as Almendrave (Spain), BFIDA (UK), Fruitimprese (Italy), Istanbul Exporters’ Associations (Turkey), National Dried Fruit Trade Association NDFTA (UK), NZV (Netherlands), Olam, The Nut Association TNA (UK), US Walnut Commission (USA), Waren-Verein der Hamburger Börse e.V. (Germany), Whitworths (UK), Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds (USA) and the INC, among others. The INC was represented by Dr. Ana Bermejo, INC Food Safety and Law Specialist.
Mr. Gijs Schilthujs, European Commissioner, presented the new Farm to Fork Strategy published by the European Commission (EC) on May 20, 2020. The Strategy addresses the challenges of the EU food system: healthy diets, better animal welfare, social rights of workers, food affordability, climate change, biodiversity preservation, food waste reduction, circular economy, fairer incomes for farmers and fishers, just transition, and new business and job opportunities. The EC has set a series of targets (e.g. reduction of pesticides by 50% and at least 25% of land under organic farming) which are to be achieved by 2030. He stressed that sustainable food systems present plenty of benefits and opportunities –better health and life quality, more sustainable business, and protection for future generations. “Food security and food safety are the cornerstone of our food system and will never be compromised”, he claimed. He added that the EC is working on a “sustainability labeling” but it is complex and it will take some years.
During the meeting, participants had the opportunity to share their priorities and expectations for sustainability and for the future work of this new working group.
Mr. Gijs Schilthujs, European Commissioner, presented the new Farm to Fork Strategy published by the European Commission (EC) on May 20, 2020. The Strategy addresses the challenges of the EU food system: healthy diets, better animal welfare, social rights of workers, food affordability, climate change, biodiversity preservation, food waste reduction, circular economy, fairer incomes for farmers and fishers, just transition, and new business and job opportunities. The EC has set a series of targets (e.g. reduction of pesticides by 50% and at least 25% of land under organic farming) which are to be achieved by 2030. He stressed that sustainable food systems present plenty of benefits and opportunities –better health and life quality, more sustainable business, and protection for future generations. “Food security and food safety are the cornerstone of our food system and will never be compromised”, he claimed. He added that the EC is working on a “sustainability labeling” but it is complex and it will take some years.
During the meeting, participants had the opportunity to share their priorities and expectations for sustainability and for the future work of this new working group.