EU: Certificate of Organic Production
On June 22, 2021, the European Commission published the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/1006 of 12 April 2021 amending Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the model of the certificate attesting compliance with the rules on organic production.
This Regulation replaces the model of the certificate to be issued to any operator or group of operators that have notified its activity to the competent authorities. To ensure a harmonized implementation, the model of the certificate contains common elements, which are mandatory in all Member States, such as the name and address, the activities of operators and categories of products.
It shall apply from January 1, 2022.
This Regulation replaces the model of the certificate to be issued to any operator or group of operators that have notified its activity to the competent authorities. To ensure a harmonized implementation, the model of the certificate contains common elements, which are mandatory in all Member States, such as the name and address, the activities of operators and categories of products.
It shall apply from January 1, 2022.
EU: Code of Conduct
On July 5, the European Commission officially launched the EU Code of Conduct on Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices with the aim of increasing the availability and affordability of healthy and sustainable food options that help reduce our overall environmental footprint.
This Code is one of the first deliverables of the Farm to Fork Strategy and an integral part of its action plan. It contains voluntary commitments for action together with a monitoring and evaluation framework to measure progress. EU associations and companies in the food sector are invited to join the Code. At its launching, 65 signatories (26 food manufacturers, 14 food retailers, 1 from the food service sector, 24 associations) voluntarily commit to the sustainability goals of the Code.
EU Code of Conduct on Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices
This Code is one of the first deliverables of the Farm to Fork Strategy and an integral part of its action plan. It contains voluntary commitments for action together with a monitoring and evaluation framework to measure progress. EU associations and companies in the food sector are invited to join the Code. At its launching, 65 signatories (26 food manufacturers, 14 food retailers, 1 from the food service sector, 24 associations) voluntarily commit to the sustainability goals of the Code.
EU Code of Conduct on Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices
EU: Climate Neutrality
On July 9, the European Commission (EC) published the Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 June 2021 establishing the framework for achieving climate neutrality and amending Regulations (EC) No 401/2009 and (EU) 2018/1999.
This Regulation establishes a framework for the reduction of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and enhancement of removals by sinks regulated in Union law. It sets out a binding objective of climate neutrality in the Union by 2050 –reducing emission to net zero. As intermediate climate targets, by 2030, the domestic reduction of net greenhouse gas emissions (emissions after deduction of removals) should be by at least 55% compared to 1990 levels.
This Regulation will enter into force on 29 July.
To achieve the reduction of net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, the EC adopted a package of proposals on July 14. These proposals are the legislative tools to deliver on the targets agreed in the European Climate Law.
They combine: application of emissions trading to new sectors and a tightening of the existing EU Emissions Trading System; increased use of renewable energy; greater energy efficiency; a faster roll-out of low emission transport modes and the infrastructure and fuels to support them; an alignment of taxation policies with the European Green Deal objectives; measures to prevent carbon leakage; and tools to preserve and grow natural carbon sinks.
With the same objective, the New EU Forest Strategy for 2030 was adopted on July 16. The strategy contributes to the package of measures proposed to achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions of at least 55% by 2030 and climate neutrality in 2050. It will also help the EU deliver on its commitment to enhance carbon removals by natural sinks as per the Climate Law.
The Forest Strategy sets concrete actions for increasing the quantity and quality of forests in the EU and strengthening their protection, restoration and resilience. It also foresees the development of payment schemes to forest owners and managers, and proposes to step up forest monitoring, reporting and data collection in the EU (more information).
To that end, the Strategy includes a roadmap outlining how the Commission will help to achieve the 3 billion additional trees pledge. To achieve this target, the additional trees need to be planted and grown in full respect of ecological principles –the right tree, right place and right purpose.
This Regulation establishes a framework for the reduction of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and enhancement of removals by sinks regulated in Union law. It sets out a binding objective of climate neutrality in the Union by 2050 –reducing emission to net zero. As intermediate climate targets, by 2030, the domestic reduction of net greenhouse gas emissions (emissions after deduction of removals) should be by at least 55% compared to 1990 levels.
This Regulation will enter into force on 29 July.
To achieve the reduction of net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, the EC adopted a package of proposals on July 14. These proposals are the legislative tools to deliver on the targets agreed in the European Climate Law.
They combine: application of emissions trading to new sectors and a tightening of the existing EU Emissions Trading System; increased use of renewable energy; greater energy efficiency; a faster roll-out of low emission transport modes and the infrastructure and fuels to support them; an alignment of taxation policies with the European Green Deal objectives; measures to prevent carbon leakage; and tools to preserve and grow natural carbon sinks.
With the same objective, the New EU Forest Strategy for 2030 was adopted on July 16. The strategy contributes to the package of measures proposed to achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions of at least 55% by 2030 and climate neutrality in 2050. It will also help the EU deliver on its commitment to enhance carbon removals by natural sinks as per the Climate Law.
The Forest Strategy sets concrete actions for increasing the quantity and quality of forests in the EU and strengthening their protection, restoration and resilience. It also foresees the development of payment schemes to forest owners and managers, and proposes to step up forest monitoring, reporting and data collection in the EU (more information).
To that end, the Strategy includes a roadmap outlining how the Commission will help to achieve the 3 billion additional trees pledge. To achieve this target, the additional trees need to be planted and grown in full respect of ecological principles –the right tree, right place and right purpose.
EU: Due Diligence
On July 13, the European Commission (EC) and the European External Action Service (EEAS) published a Guidance on due diligence to help companies to address the risk of forced labor in their operations and supply chains, in line with international standards.
This document is intended to provide European companies with practical guidance to implement effective human rights due diligence practices to address the risk of forced labor in their supply chains. In particular, the guidance explains the practical aspects of due diligence and provides an overview of international standards on responsible business conduct and due diligence that are relevant for combatting forced labor.
This document is intended to provide European companies with practical guidance to implement effective human rights due diligence practices to address the risk of forced labor in their supply chains. In particular, the guidance explains the practical aspects of due diligence and provides an overview of international standards on responsible business conduct and due diligence that are relevant for combatting forced labor.
The EC is expected to publish a legislative proposal on supply chain due diligence during the fourth quarter of 2021. This upcoming legislation should introduce a mandatory due diligence duty requiring EU companies to identify, prevent, mitigate and account for sustainability impacts in their operations and supply chains.
See the press release here.
UN: Food Systems Pre-Summit
In partnership with the Government of Italy, the Pre-Summit of the United Nations (UN) Food Systems Summit is taking place in Rome from July 26-28, 2021. This event will consolidate the progress that has been achieved through the Summit’s wide-ranging process of diverse public engagement, consultations and data gathering that began in 2020, setting the stage for an ambitious and productive Summit in September 2021 in New York.
The Pre-Submit will bring together youth, farmers, indigenous peoples, civil society, researchers, private sector, policy leaders and ministers of agriculture, environment, health, nutrition and finance, among other participants, with the broad aim of accelerating food systems transformation.
More information
The Pre-Submit will bring together youth, farmers, indigenous peoples, civil society, researchers, private sector, policy leaders and ministers of agriculture, environment, health, nutrition and finance, among other participants, with the broad aim of accelerating food systems transformation.
More information