FASS Food project partners’ statement in reaction to the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) opinion Food security and sustainable food systems NAT/844 published on 24/01/2022
European food systems must be Fair, Accessible, Short and Sustainable for the planet as a whole and for all people. Any reflection on sustainability and food and nutrition security must be systemic and take into account both the social and environmental implications of the food system. Particular focus is needed on what happens at farmgate level, including the positive externalities of agroecology, extensive agriculture and small-scale farming paired with a fair distribution of value and accessibility. This means that, in most of the cases, it is not enough to discuss “where food is produced” and it is essential to discuss “how it is produced, by whom and in what conditions,” and who has access to it.
The EESC opinion on ‘Food security and sustainable food systems’ rightly looks at the impacts of unfair trading practices in supply chain agents and welcomes the regulatory approach undertaken by the EU. We also welcome the Committee’s systemic approach to food system as intertwined with multiple policy areas, and its views on the key role that due diligence legislation will play in preventing and mitigating the current environmental and social impacts and human rights violations.
Based on our expertise and the research carried out under the project Fair, Accessible, Sustainable and Short Food Chains for the EU (FASS-Food EU) we would like to share some remarks with regard to this opinion. Click here to read our remarks.