Sustainable food systems

Transition to more resilient and sustainable food systems in an EU and global context

Portfolio overview

Food systems in the EU and beyond are striving to become more sustainable and resilient. Food systems encompass all actors and activities from production to consumption and waste, and they impact the economy, employment, environment, climate, health and wellbeing of citizens.

This portfolio will provide the data and analysis needed to support dynamic, innovative, sustainable and competitive food chains. This is crucial to sustaining livelihoods in rural and coastal areas, but also to tackle global food security risks. It will also address environmental and climate impacts, as well as food safety, integrity and nutrition, to advance key EU initiatives, including the common fisheries policy, the common agricultural policy and the Vision for Agriculture and Food.  

Objectives

Support transition to sustainable food systems 
Provide science-based analysis and evidence to support the complex transition towards more resilient and sustainable food systems, while ensuring access to affordable, socio-culturally acceptable, safe and healthy diets. 
Identify requirements for sustainable food systems 
Identify behaviours and policies for sustainable EU food systems, exploring new data sources, and extending EU datasets to accession/candidate countries. 
Develop monitoring and evaluation tools 
Develop quantitative and qualitative analytical frameworks and tools to draft, monitor and evaluate food system policies. 
Provide science for food-systems legislation support
Provide scientific support for agricultural, aquaculture, fisheries and food systems-related legislation throughout the policy cycle. 
Advise on food systems sustainability
Advise on enhancing the sustainability of EU food systems, integrating environmental, health and competitiveness considerations. 
Support EU accession countries to comply with food laws 
Support countries wishing to join the EU with their obligations related to food, particularly within the single market. 
Contribute to food security knowledge
Contribute to the global understanding of food security complexities in relation to humanitarian aid and the worsening situation resulting from climate change.