Organic food
(BRUSSELS) – 65 companies and associations signed a new EU Code of Conduct on Responsible Food Business Monday, with a view to increasing the availability and affordability of healthy and sustainable food options.
The Code, aimed at reducing the EU’s overall environmental footprint, has been developed with EU associations and companies, with active involvement and input from international organizations, NGOs, trade unions and trade associations.
The move was “a considerable step forward made by the agri-food ecosystem,” said Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton: “Every voluntary commitment counts to achieve the sustainable transition of our food systems, while increasing their resilience. The Commission is committed to mobilising its support instruments, in particular for SMEs, the backbone of the agri-food ecosystem, as we are embarking on this ambitious journey.”
Associations and companies in the food sector that sign the code commit to accelerate their contribution to a sustainable transition. Their pledges endorse the Code’s objectives and encourage similar companies to take part.
Two levels of commitments are included in the scheme:
- EU associations: set of seven objectives, each with its targets and indicative actions. These relate to actions that promote the shift towards healthy and sustainable consumption patterns. The objective is to improve the impact of food processing, retail and food services’ operations on sustainability and to improve the sustainability of the food value chains, in relation to primary producers and other actors in the chain. Associations should report on progress on a yearly basis.
- Companies: framework for frontrunners for ambitious commitments with measurable outcomes covering a wide range of areas, from animal welfare, to sugar reduction and cutting greenhouse gas emissions in their full product range. Companies will report progress by submitting a summary of their sustainability report on an annual basis.
On the day of the launch of the Code, 65 signatories (26 food manufacturers, 14 food retailers, 1 from the food service sector, 24 associations) become the first pioneering companies and associations (link to full list of signatories).
More EU associations and companies in the food sector are invited to join the Code of Conduct, seen as a game-changing solution.
The Code marks the beginning of a dynamic process. The governance of the Code puts in place the tools for collaboration among all actors concerned in order to generate new and more ambitious commitments, partnerships, and stimulate interaction and exchange.
The Commission says it intends to present the Code in the United Nations’ Food Systems Summit later this year.
EU Code of Conduct on Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices - guide
Green Consumption Pledge Initiative | European Commission (europa.eu)
Retail Forum for Sustainability (now taken up in the Circular Economy Action Plan)
