"We need to build on good practices and upscale successful local and regional initiatives that make our food system more sustainable, such as short supply chains, sustainable public catering and food waste prevention measures to transform our food systems." Joke Schauvliege Member of the Flemish Regional Parliament made these remarks during an exchange of views held during a CoR NAT Commission meeting.
Schauvliege has been entrusted by the CoR to draft an opinion on the 'Legislative framework for Sustainable food systems' in view of a forthcoming legislative proposal, expected to be published by the European Commission later this year.
The Flemish lawmaker stressed that when talking about a sustainable food strategy it is important that the strategy should contribute to all elements of sustainability: environmental, social and economic.
The rapporteur noted that EU, national and regional authorities ensure that sustainability is mainstreamed in all food-related policies. Hence, the framework law should look into clarifying responsibilities of all food system actors by setting up a multi-level cooperation, engaging participation at EU, Member State, regional and local level. She stressed "As cities and regions are key actors in the field, which play an important role in addressing the challenges of food systems, their role should be reflected in the Commission's proposal."
Yesterday, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) hosted a stakeholder consultation, chaired by the Rapporteur, to discuss how local and regional authorities can best support a sustainable transition in the food sector. NGOs, regional offices and permanent representations shared their opinions on topics such as consumer information and sustainable public procurement to further lower the footprint of the food citizens consume.
The CoR, which has an advisory role, is due to adopt its position on the issue in May.
