Faced with the consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the soaring food prices that threaten the food security of many countries already suffering from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the European Commission announced, on Wednesday 23 March, that it would support eight Coalitions for Action to make food systems sustainable around the world.
This initiative will complement humanitarian aid for poor countries dependent on commodity imports from Russia and Ukraine to combat food insecurity in the EU’s third country partners (see other news).
In line with the Tokyo Summit on Sustainable Food Systems (New York, September 2021) and theNutrition for Growth( N4G) Summit (Tokyo, December 2021), the eight coalitions are working against the backdrop of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 and the European Green Deal (see EUROPE B12916/7).
To strengthen the transformation of global food systems, the Commission will work with Member States, UN agencies, civil society and other partners in the following coalitions:
‘Food is never waste’ will help countries develop interventions, ranging from policies and regulations to voluntary initiatives, to halve food waste by 2030 and reduce food losses by at least 25% by the same date.
‘Healthy Diets from Sustainable Food Systems for Children & all’. This coalition will address three issues: malnutrition in all its forms, unsafe food and the environmental impact of food production.
‘School Meals Coalition’ will focus on improving the quality and expansion of school meals programmes around the world, with products supplied by local farmers.
‘Aquatic and Blue Foods’ aims to realise the full potential of sustainable aquatic foods - such as fish, shellfish, aquatic plants and algae, captured or cultivated in freshwater or marine ecosystems. The focus is on supporting innovation using local and scientific knowledge.
‘Zero Hunger’ will advocate for the reduction of hunger. The coalition will support investments that have proven positive effects on small farm livelihoods, such as participation in farmers’ organisations, vocational training programmes for rural youth.
‘Fighting food crises along the Humanitarian-Development-Peace’ nexus aims to create the conditions and enabling structures for an approach to food systems resilience in fragile contexts, such as anticipatory action and development of shock-responsive social protection schemes.
‘Sustainable Productivity Growth’ focuses on technology and innovations for agricultural productivity growth while addressing climate change challenges. It will provide a platform for sharing best practices, identifying knowledge gaps and research opportunities. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)