20.10.2021

Joint Statement - On the European Parliament plenary vote on the Farm to Fork Strategy

Yesterday, the European Parliament voted on its Farm to Fork own initiative report. Food chain actors acknowledge the signal sent by this vote but regret the climate in which the vote took place. We talked about everything but the actual means and solutions when it comes to addressing the multiple blind spots this strategy has created.

Food chain actors all agree with the main goals set out in the Farm to Fork Strategy, we know that changes are necessary, and we remain committed to playing our part in the path towards a transition to a more sustainable food system. Indeed we are already all working in that direction. What we are currently lacking however is new tools and a clearer roadmap. The 2030 deadline is looming, and changes cannot be assimilated overnight.

We are now waiting for concrete proposals from the Commission, especially on the blind spots identified in the ongoing debate such as on the effects of carbon leakage, European strategic autonomy, or consumer prices. With this in mind we also welcome the clear signal sent by the Parliament calling on the European Commission to prepare a comprehensive impact assessment evaluating the impact of its strategy. The data overview presented by the Commission earlier this week[1] would be a great starting point for such a study.

[1] https://ec.europa.eu/info/news/green-deal-2030-targets-and-agricultural-production-studies-2021-oct-18_en

Signatories:

Agriculture and Progress – European Platform for Sustainable Agricultural Production
Agri-Food Chain Coalition – European agri-food chain joint initiative
AnimalHealthEurope – European Animal Medicines Industry
AVEC – European Association of Poultry Processors and Poultry Trade
CEFS – European Association of Sugar Manufacturers
CEJA – European Council of Young Farmers
CEMA – European Agricultural Machinery Industry
CEPM – European Confederation of Maize Production
CEVI – European Confederation of Independent Winegrowers
CIBE – International Confederation of European Beet Growers
Clitravi – Liaison Centre for the Meat Processing Industry in the European Union
COCERAL – European association of trade in cereals, oilseeds, pulses, olive oil, oils and fats, animal feed and agrosupply
Copa-Cogeca – European Farmers and Agri-Cooperatives
CropLife Europe – Europe’s Crop Protection Industry
EBB – European Biodiesel Board
EDA – European Dairy Association
EFFAB – European Forum of Farm Animal Breeders
ELO – European Landowners’ Organization
European Livestock Voice – European Platform of the Livestock Food Chain (with the support of Carni Sostenibili)
Euro Foie Gras – European Federation of Foie Gras
Euroseeds – European Seed Sector
ePURE – European Renewable Ethanol Industry
Fediol – European Vegetable Oil and Protein-Meal Industry Association
FEFAC – European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation
Fertilizers Europe – European Fertilizer Producers
IBC – International Butchers’ Confederation
UECBV – European Livestock and Meat Trades Union