Brussels, 13/04/2015 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission launched an online consultation on Monday 13 April on how science and innovation can help the European Union ensure safe, nutritious, sufficient and sustainable food globally. The discussion is linked to the theme of the universal exhibition Expo Milano 2015 - Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life - which aims to open a real political debate on global food security and sustainability. The exhibition will take place from 1 May to 31 October. More than 145 countries and international organisations will take part.
Thus, Tibor Navracsics, commissioner for education, culture, youth and sport, and responsible for the Joint Research Centre, the Commission's internal scientific service which is responsible for coordinating the EU participation at the exhibition, and Franz Fischler, chairman of the Expo 2015 EU Scientific Steering Committee and former Agriculture Commissioner presented a discussion paper. “The European Union has a vital role to play in tackling the challenges associated with food and nutrition security and sustainability. Expo 2015 offers us a great opportunity to showcase what the EU is already doing in this field. I hope it will also breathe new life into our efforts and further foster international collaboration”, stated Navracsics.
The results of the public consultation will form the basis for the European debate on a future research agenda to help tackle global food and nutrition security challenges. The focus will be on the areas where EU research efforts can have the strongest impact, such as how to improve public health through nutrition, increase food safety and quality, reduce food loss and waste, make rural development more sustainable, increase agricultural yields through sustainable intensification, as well as how to better understand food markets and increase access to food for people around the world.
The consultation is available online until 1 September. The results will be published on 15 October, ahead of World Food Day, and will contribute to shape the EU's legacy for Expo 2015. (Isabelle Lamberty)