On 20 July, the EU expert group within the European Food Security Crisis Preparedness and Response Mechanism (EFSCM) published its recommendations on the need to diversify sources of supply.
This group of experts was set up by the European Commission to draw lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic and the upheaval caused by the war in Ukraine (see EUROPE 12905/5). It is made up of representatives from the Member States and a number of third countries, professional organisations and NGOs (including Copa-Cogeca, Fertilisers Europe, Euroseed, the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) and Four Paws).
“Over the last few decades, we have seen a trend towards increased specialisation of farms and agricultural regions”, resulting in “a simultaneous reduction in the variety of agricultural landscapes and cultivated species”, states the report.
Similarly, the evolution of agricultural structures in Europe has progressed towards greater concentration, with larger and more specialised farms gaining in importance in the EU agricultural sector, adds the group.
In the field of primary production, the EFSCM suggests encouraging diversification of production so that farmers in a given area are not all affected at the same time and in the same way in the event of an agricultural crisis. It stresses the importance of policy instruments, particularly under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which “encourage richer and longer crop rotations”. According to the experts, this technique makes it possible to mitigate the risks to agricultural production in the EU as a whole, as well as in each agricultural region and on each farm. Ecoregimes are seen as positive in this context.
In addition, the group notes that land-use planning rules must take account of the needs of agriculture, and that competition for biomass availability or disruption to by-product supply chains can create disruption.
Rules-based trade. The experts also emphasise the stabilising role of the single market, while stressing the need for flexibility - in labelling obligations, for example - in the event of a shock. They are calling for further harmonisation of the rules on the use of pesticides and labelling to remove the remaining barriers to the free movement of foodstuffs within the EU. They also suggest considering “the relevance and appropriate level of public food stocks”.
Down the chain. The expert group recognises that short supply chains, including in public procurement through appropriate criteria for sustainable food purchasing in schools and public institutions, should play a complementary role in the diversified food supply of EU citizens. The EFSCM highlights the role of the downstream stages of the food supply chain (food processing, logistics, transport and retailing) in providing consumers with a diverse range of foodstuffs at affordable prices.
One of the recommendations refers to “the potential role” of adopting a diet more balanced between plant sources (vegetables, fruit, pulses, cereals) and animal sources of food and protein, “supported by a varied range of food and drink products”. The experts do not forget to stress the importance of livestock production for food security.
Link to the report: https://aeur.eu/f/8aa (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)