Podcasts about fork strategy

South African farmers exporting table grapes, citrus, apples, and maize may face challenges adapting to the EU's Farm to Fork Strategy, which aims to reduce pesticide use and promote sustainable farming under the EU Green Deal. The strategy targets a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and promotes organic farming but could impose stricter standards on exporting nations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Overview: In this episode, Tracy speaks with Bill Wirtz, Senior Policy Analyst at the Consumer Choice Center, to unpack the current state of European agricultural policies, the rise and recent decline of the "green agenda," and its impact on agriculture, trade, and food systems. We explore Europe's experience and discuss how similar trends may start to impact North America. Key Topics Covered: European Agricultural Policy Landscape European Farmers Pushing Back Against Policies Why Europe Is Ahead of North America on Green Policies The United States' Agricultural Policy under the Trump Administration gricultural Policy in Canada and Recent Resignation of Prime Minister The Impact of Green Policies on Food Choices Advice for North American Farmers Watching European Trends What to Watch for in the Coming Years Tune in to this episode for a deep dive into Europe's green agricultural policies, the growing backlash from farmers, and what North American farmers and consumers need to know as these trends begin to cross the Atlantic. Detailed Show Notes: European Agricultural Policy Landscape: Tracy asks Bill to give our audience an overview on European agricultural policy, starting with the Paris Accord, while tracing its roots back to the Kyoto Protocol. With so many terms floating around—Green Agenda, Green New Deal, Agenda 2030, Farm to Fork, and more—Tracy asks Bill to break them down and help connect the dots, offering a clearer picture of the environmental movement and its origins, which are shaping Europe's agricultural policies with a focus on sustainability and climate goals. European Farmers Pushing Back Against Policies: Bill talks about the increasing backlash from European farmers against restrictive policies, including product bans, land set-aside programs, Dutch farm buybacks, fuel and farm insurance hikes, and the latest farm inheritance tax. These policies have sparked widespread protests across the continent, and while farm protests have always been common in Europe, they have become increasingly more prevalent in recent years. Why Europe Is Ahead of North America on Green Policies: Bill explores why Europe is implementing green agricultural policies faster than North America and whether similar policies will emerge in the U.S. and Canada. The United States' Agricultural Policy under the Trump Administration: Bill provides insights into how Trump's agricultural policies may affect U.S. farmers, particularly regarding regulation, trade, and environmental standards. He also discusses the growing concerns around the Trump administration's agricultural policies, particularly regarding regulatory shifts and the potential impact on U.S. farming practices. He also touches on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s push to ban agricultural chemicals and anything he deems unhealthy. RFK Jr.'s position has sparked debate, as his proposals could significantly alter farming practices by restricting the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals, raising questions about their long-term impact on food production and farmer livelihoods. Agricultural Policy in Canada: Tracy and Bill discuss Canada's agricultural policies, including the government's receptiveness to pro-trade and innovation arguments, the resignation of Prime Minister Trudeau, and the recent withdrawal of six national crop organizations from Canada's sustainable agriculture strategy. The Impact of Green Policies on Food Choices: Bill highlights how Europe's green policies affect consumer food choices, comparing the differences in food systems, prices, and availability between Europe and North America. Advice for North American Farmers Watching European Trends: Bill shares key advice for North American farmers on how to avoid the regulatory pitfalls seen in European agriculture. What to Watch for in the Coming Years: Bill offers insights on the future of agriculture and green policies, identifying key developments North American farmers should be watching in the next few years. Tune in to this episode for a deep dive into Europe's green agricultural policies, the growing backlash from farmers, and what North American farmers and consumers need to know as these trends begin to cross the Atlantic. ............................... Bill's Winter 2025 Canadian Speaking Engagements: CrossRoads: Alberta's Crop Conference

Marie Brueser is Senior Corporate Venture Manager at EIT Food, an organisation co-founded by the European Commission which is focused on driving innovation in the food and agricultural sectors. In the second part of our conversation, she outlines the EU's 'Farm to Fork Strategy', discusses how companies and policymakers can use EIT Food's Consumer Observatory as a database full of consumer insights, and talks about how food is at the heart of so many UN Sustainable Development Goals.

In 2020, as an integral part of the European Green Deal, the EU presented its Farm to Fork Strategy, aimed at making Europe's food systems more resilient, healthier and more sustainable. The Farm to Fork strategy was the first to integrate all aspects of the food chain (agricultural, ecological, and nutritional) into a unified approach to food systems, moving beyond traditional farm policy.Scientific evidence underlines the urgent and exacerbated need for more sustainable and healthier food systems. This is due to factors related to the climate crisis, such as soil degradation and a decline in biodiversity, as well as other factors such as increased obesity levels in many countries.Many stakeholders argue that the transition to sustainable food systems needs to be accomplished in a manner that respects and preserves Europe's natural resources. Farmers play a key role in this transition. Recent protests throughout the EU highlighted that the upcoming mandate will be critical in delivering the necessary assistance and funding farmers' needs for this transition.Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the way forward to more resilient and sustainable food systems in the EU. Questions to be discussed include:- What are the main financial challenges currently faced by farmers in the transition towards sustainable food systems?- How can EU policy frameworks be adapted to provide more flexible and financial support to farmers transitioning to sustainable practices?- How can we create favourable market conditions that protect natural resources while transitioning to sustainable food systems?

Expanding organic farming and agricultural lands in the EU is at the heart of the European Green Deal's initiatives. Organic farming uses natural substances and processes to produce food and brings environmental, economic and social benefits.To support European green ambitions, the European Commission launched the Farm to Fork Strategy in 2020. One of its aims is to bolster organic food sales and production with a focus on a fair and sustainable supply chain. This initiative was reinforced through the Organic Action Plan which seeks to achieve 25% of organic agricultural land by 2030. However, currently, only 10% of EU agricultural land is organic.Organic farming is more labour-intensive and produces lower yields than conventional farmers, while generating similar income. Despite receiving economic support through the CAP, organic farmers feel they remain inadequately remunerated because their selling prices are lower than the retail prices.While the EU seeks to boost organic farming and food supply, some stakeholders argue that the EU needs a more robust implementation to transition towards fair and organic food systems. Others believe that the text on new genomic technologies (NGTs) approved by the European Parliament could help reach the target on organic agricultural lands.Join this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss the sustainability of organic farming and its implications for reaching European green ambitions. Questions to be addressed include:How can the EU strengthen the position of organic farmers in the supply chain?How can the gap between organic produce selling prices and retail prices be addressed?How compatible are the NGTs and organic farming in light of the target for agricultural lands set by the European Commission?What steps are needed to further develop organic food supply and demand?Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

In this episode of the Patrick Henningsen Show on TNT Radio which aired on January 31, 2024,  Patrick talks with independent French researcher and journalist Freddie Ponton, about the French farmers protest and siege on Paris and “Rungis”the world second largest wholesale food market where he breaks down the cause and effects of the penalising the EU's environmental roadmap including the bureaucratic burden associated with the European Green Deal and the EU Farm to Fork Strategy. Freddie turns his attention to ⁠Algeria's call for a meeting at the UN Security Council looking for ways to enforce the recent ICJ court ruling and provisional measures granted to South Africa in its case against Israel for genocide against the Palestinians. Freddie finishes his talk by analysing a recent WSJ article and its authors in which Israel makes allegation against UNRWA staff in Gaza and their possible involvement in the Oct 7 attack which led to the defunding of the UN agency. All this and more. More from Freddie: X/Twitter  TUNE-IN LIVE to TNT RADIO for the Patrick Henningsen Show every MON-FRI at 11AM-1PM (NEW YORK) | 4PM-6PM (LONDON) | 2AM-4AM (BRISBANE): https://tntradio.live

Sustainability is at the heart of so much of the food sector, with discussions often focusing on manufacturing processes, food waste, and meat and dairy alternatives. But the most difficult sustainability challenges, and arguably the most impactful, are a step before any of that. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, made in partnership with CropLife Europe, we focus on agriculture. There is no getting away from the fact that farmers are under increasing pressure to feed a growing population, and doing so in a sustainable way adds another layer of complexity. In Europe, the challenge has been set. The European Commission's Farm to Fork Strategy, which is a central part of the European Green Deal, calls for a major reduction in the use of chemical pesticides, while making sure the supermarket shelves remain fully stocked. So, what are the challenges in meeting those goals? What, if anything, needs to change to make them more achievable? And what are some of the solutions being proposed? Guest: Olivier de Matos, Director General, CropLife Europe

BOOK LAUNCH The Political Economy of Food System Transformation: Pathways to Progress in a Polarized World Hybrid Event NOV 14, 2023 - 3:00 TO 4:30PM EST Amid rising geopolitical conflict, populism and nationalism, and clashes between empirical evidence and disinformation campaigns, many countries are trying to transform their food systems to achieve healthier, more sustainable outcomes. To accomplish this challenging goal, pathways to transform food systems must be grounded in a sound understanding of interest group dynamics, incentive systems, the role of ideology and coalitions, and accountability structures. The Political Economy of Food System Transformation, a new IFPRI and Oxford University publication edited by Danielle Resnick and Johan Swinnen, tackles this complex subject by integrating insights from a global set of interdisciplinary scholars. Their work encompasses food system policy issues relevant to diets and environmental sustainability at the local, national, and international levels. The authors address a wide range of issues, including the need to repurpose costly agricultural subsidies, reduce red meat and ultra-processed food consumption, increase uptake of appropriate biotechnologies, adopt sugar-sweetened beverage taxes, implement the European Union's Farm to Fork Strategy, adapt urban food system councils to local contexts, and track accountability for global food system commitments. Join us for this hybrid book launch at IFPRI headquarters and online—speakers will discuss the political economy of these issues and reflect on opportunities to pursue food system policy reforms in an increasingly polarized world. A light reception will follow the presentations. Speakers Christopher Barrett, Stephen B. and Janice G. Ashley Professor of Applied Economics and Management and International Professor of Agriculture at the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University Koen Deconinck, Economist, Trade and Agriculture Directorate, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Eduardo Gómez, Professor and Director of the Institute of Health Policy and Politics, Lehigh University Danielle Resnick, Senior Research Fellow, Development Strategies and Governance Unit, IFPRI and Non-Resident Fellow, Brookings Institution Johan Swinnen, Managing Director, Systems Transformation, CGIAR and Director General, IFPRI Discussant Loraine Ronchi, CGIAR Senior Advisor for Policy Impact, IFPRI Moderator Charlotte Hebebrand, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, IFPRI Download a free copy of the book: The Political Economy Of Food System Transformation: Pathways To Progress In A Polarized World - https://www.ifpri.org/publication/political-economy-food-system-transformation-pathways-progress-polarized-world More about this seminar: https://www.ifpri.org/event/political-economy-food-system-transformation-pathways-progress-polarized-world Subscribe IFPRI Insights newsletter and event announcements at www.ifpri.org/content/newsletter-subscription

The Farm to Fork Strategy is at the heart of the Green Deal, addressing the challenges associated with establishing sustainable food systems. It aims to make food systems fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly.Food systems are significant contributors to climate change and environmental degradation. Many agrifood stakeholders believe there is an urgent need to reduce dependency on pesticides and antimicrobials, reduce excess fertilisation, increase organic farming, improve animal welfare, and reverse biodiversity loss.According to the European Commission, there are currently 33 million people in the EU who cannot afford a nutritious meal every other day. This suggests food assistance is essential. Creating a supportive food environment that promotes healthy and sustainable diets will benefit consumers' health and quality of life, and reduce health-related costs for society.One of the flagship initiatives of the Farm to Fork Strategy is the proposed legislative framework for sustainable food systems (FSFS). This framework, set to be adopted by the Commission before the end of 2023, aims to accelerate and simplify the transition towards sustainable food systems.Relisten to this EURACTIV Virtual Conference to explore the EU's Farm to Fork Strategy and learn what lies ahead for the future of food and sustainable food systems. Does the EU's Farm to Fork Strategy go far enough? What elements should be included in the proposed legislative framework for sustainable food systems (FSFS) to accelerate the transition towards sustainable food systems?

Today, we find out why Taylor McAffrey thinks Burger King offers vegetarian burgers. Apparently it has a lot to do with Henry Kissinger, the antichrist, and making people eat bugs. Yeah it doesn't make any sense, don't worry about it.Sources:Fact Check-No evidence Henry Kissinger ever said ‘control foods and you control the people': https://tinyurl.com/2gmsmn9aHenry Kissinger: “If You Can't Hear the Drums of War You Must Be Deaf” (Satire article): https://tinyurl.com/2nx324ldPogroms in the Russian Empire: https://tinyurl.com/y3taj8tnThe Protocols of the Elders of Zion: https://tinyurl.com/mmbbtdwEurope's Farm to Fork Strategy and Its Commitment to Biotechnology and Organic Farming: Conflicting or Complementary Goals?: https://tinyurl.com/2qscqyfmThe environmental costs and benefits of high-yield farming: https://tinyurl.com/2lqblmxtAssessing the efficiency of changes in land use for mitigating climate change: https://tinyurl.com/y89k2mndIntense Farming Better Than Organic: https://tinyurl.com/2j2zok4bMore Evidence Organic Farming is Bad: https://tinyurl.com/2kp6agd8Food Irradiation: What You Need to Know: https://tinyurl.com/y3j6kjbnFar more toxic than glyphosate: Copper sulfate, used by organic and conventional farmers, cruises to European reauthorization: https://tinyurl.com/ycjxf9wxCOVID-19 Dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University: https://tinyurl.com/rnjqnnhWorld Birth Rate 1950-2023: https://tinyurl.com/yakdjwmwThe Most Vacant Cities in America: 2022 Data: https://tinyurl.com/2lrh7989Estimated number of homeless people in the United States from 2007 to 2022: https://tinyurl.com/ygd5yfzgThe Problem With Owning Beachfront Property: The Ocean: https://tinyurl.com/2nexxrzgAll my various links can be found here:http://links.vicedrhino.com

One aspect of the European Commission's Farm to Fork Strategy, aimed at a fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly food system, is to combat negative health impacts. As part of this, new technologies and scientific discoveries, combined with increasing public awareness and demand for sustainable food, are employed to put food systems on a sustainable path and strengthen citizen access to nutritious and sustainable food.Technological advances and digital tools can also provide support when it comes to consumer choice. Algorithms could suggest tailored options to consumers based on health profiling and consumer history, genetic research and health data. To facilitate this, and prepare our societies for the future, some stakeholders argue that the front-of-pack nutritional label currently being reviewed by the European Commission needs to take a different, more progressive approach.They claim that the current use of different front-of-pack schemes in the internal market could result in additional costs for businesses, consumer confusion and a lack of trust. To avoid this, a common approach amongst Member States has been proposed. They want legislation to be updated to take account of how our future diets are likely to look.Relisten to this EURACTIV Hybrid Conference to find out the opportunities and challenges facing the EU regarding front-of-pack labelling. Is there scope for a future where our smart devices and AI provide us with all the relevant information we need to eat or purchase based on our personal data? What steps need to be taken in this direction? And how can citizens be provided with the necessary information to make the right nutritional choices, especially those with health deficiencies?

"Empowering consumers to make healthy food choices As part of the EU's Farm to Fork Strategy, at the end of the year the European Commission will propose a harmonised mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labelling system. This is designed to help consumers make informed, sustainable and health-consciou" "--START AD- #TheMummichogblogOfMalta Amazon Top and Flash Deals(Affiliate Link - You will support our translations if you purchase through the following link) - https://amzn.to/3CqsdJH Compare all the top travel sites in just one search to find the best hotel deals at HotelsCombined - awarded world's best hotel price comparison site. (Affiliate Link - You will support our translations if you purchase through the following link) - https://www.hotelscombined.com/?a_aid=20558 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets."""" #Jesus #Catholic. Smooth Radio Malta is Malta's number one digital radio station, playing Your Relaxing Favourites - Smooth provides a ‘clutter free' mix, appealing to a core 35-59 audience offering soft adult contemporary classics. We operate a playlist of popular tracks which is updated on a regular basis. https://smooth.com.mt/listen/ Follow on Telegram: https://t.me/themummichogblogdotcom END AD---" "s food choices across Member States. The Commission's proposal will also include setting up nutrient profiles to restrict the promotion of foods high in fat, sugars and/or salt with the aim of facilitating a shift to healthier diets and to drive food reformulation. There is a lot at stake for consumer choice. According to the wider food and beverage industry, the upcoming proposal should be easy to interpret and, based on dietary guidelines, ensure that consumers are well informed about the nutritional benefits of food and drink products. But some industry stakeholders are concerned that the focus of EU policymakers on specific nutrients risks entrenching negative perceptions around certain food products, despite scientific evidence that supports their positive contribution to European diets. Rewatch this EURACTIV Hybrid Conference to find out the importance of a balanced approach in assessing the nutritional benefits of beverages and food products. What are the potential implications of a new, mandatory front-of-pack labelling system to help inform consumer choices? Taking the example of the fruit juice sector, the debate discussed the latest policy developments, industry perspectives and scientific research in this area and look ahead at what to expect in 2023 >> Click here for more information about the event. >> Click here to check out our upcoming events. https://www.euractiv.com/section/agriculture-food/video/empowering-consumers-to-make-healthy-food-choices/?utm_source=piano&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=9715&pnespid=sbx9VnwcO65Fy6Od_SjqAcuMrg6iRJd1KLemnPltp01mPyZbuGJ3LMXoBxp5OCpzyH.kPfoJag "

As part of the EU's Farm to Fork Strategy, at the end of the year the European Commission will propose a harmonised mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labelling system. This is designed to help consumers make informed, sustainable and health-conscious food choices across Member States. The Commission's proposal will also include setting up nutrient profiles to restrict the promotion of foods high in fat, sugars and/or salt with the aim of facilitating a shift to healthier diets and to drive food reformulation.There is a lot at stake for consumer choice. According to the wider food and beverage industry, the upcoming proposal should be easy to interpret and, based on dietary guidelines, ensure that consumers are well informed about the nutritional benefits of food and drink products. But some industry stakeholders are concerned that the focus of EU policymakers on specific nutrients risks entrenching negative perceptions around certain food products, despite scientific evidence that supports their positive contribution to European diets.Relisten to this EURACTIV Hybrid Conference to find out the importance of a balanced approach in assessing the nutritional benefits of beverages and food products. What are the potential implications of a new, mandatory front-of-pack labelling system to help inform consumer choices? Taking the example of the fruit juice sector, the debate discussed the latest policy developments, industry perspectives and scientific research in this area and look ahead at what to expect in 2023.

European milk production declined 1.4% year-over-year in June as heat waves weighed on cow comfort and component levels. Though temperatures are expected to ease in the coming months, milk flows will remain under pressure amid tightening environmental regulations. In the latest episode of The Dairy Download, we speak with two guests keeping an eye on Europe's output obstacles.First up is Jukka Likitalo, Secretary General with Eucolait. He tells us how the European Commission's Farm to Fork Strategy is impacting the region's production. He also gives insight on other factors crimping output, from structural issues to supply chain and labor challenges.Next, we talk with Paula O'Dwyer, Senior Business Intelligence Manager for Glanbia Ireland. She sheds light on trends in Irish milk production and the broader European market. And she discusses the impact of higher prices on the region's dairy demand.The episode is sponsored by Nelson-Jameson.“For decades, Nelson-Jameson has been a leader in the food industry providing manufacturers with the products and services they need to produce safe, quality food."If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA's Melissa Lembke at mlembke@idfa.org.

Last year in October, the European Parliament took a very important vote to accept a Farm to Fork strategy. It is at the heart of the European Green Deal. Aiming to make food systems fair, healthy and environmentally friendly. Food Systems cannot really be resilient to crises such as the pandemic we've just had if they are not sustainable. Stefano Scavino is really Walking the Talk in this and he tells us about his Farm to Fork farming and consumer engagement in this episode.EU Farm to Fork Strategy:https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_encarciofo astigiano del sorì (sorì artichoke)Pepperoni quadrato della Motta de Costiglione d'Asti (Motta de Costiglione d'Asti bell peppers)Carlo Petrini's book "Buono pulito e giusto"English version: Slow Food Nation: Why Our Food Should Be Good, Clean, and Fair. CSA, Community Supported AgricultureWebsite : Duipuvrun  Facebook: Duipuvrun Instagram: @duipuvruncostiglioleDuipuvrun means two peppers but is also a Piemontese way to check if you can pronounce it correctly.

In the latest episode of EU Watchdog Radio, we discuss the linkages between the Ukraine war , the food crisis and subsequent ‘the policy fall-out'.  Agrobusiness lobbies and their political allies abuse the crisis to derail and delay the EU's Farm to Fork Strategy.A toxic lobby amplified by conservative politicians was very quick to start, calling for increased food production due to the Ukraine war. And thus they called for the need of more fertilisers and pesticides as they wrongfully think that this is the only way the produce enough healthy food, whereas in fact their lobby is just about defending a billion Euro agrochemical business model, at the expense of exosystems, farmers and the health of people alike. In this episode, Nina Holland, researcher at Corporate Europe Observatory (CEO) explains the interlinkages between her new report 'A loud lobby for a silent spring: the pesticide industry's toxic lobbying tactics against Farm to Fork' and the politiucal opportunism abusing the horrible war in Ukraine. Over a week ago, CEO exposed the immense and well-resourced lobby campaign against the EU Farm to Fork Strategy by pesticide lobby group CropLife Europe and their allies. On the same day, Agriculture commissioner Wojciechowski made statements implying that the Commission may be bowing to industry pressure and delay new pesticide rules. This anti-Farm to Fork lobby will certainly use this extra time to try and further derail the process. Last week many Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) deeply regretted that the much needed revision of the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive (SUD) is being postponed and asked the European Commission to officially present a new publication date within the briefest of delays. The European Commission was expected to publish the revision on March 23, setting the path for the legal implementation of the Farm to Fork. EU law obliges Member States to reduce the use of pesticides since 2009, but more than a decade later, they still argue against it and attack any EU initiative that would finally get them to respect both the law and the science.We also talk to Martin Derminne, expert of Pesticide Action Network Europe (PAN Europe) who explains why the pesticide law is not being respected by the member states; Derminne also explains that the 50 % pesticide reduction target that is now being postponed is in reality a non-issue because the farmers that already apply the EU-law from 2009 (SUD) and thus use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) already reduced their use of chemicals with 80 to 90%. A study shows for example that, in France, arable farmers could reduce their pesticide use by 30% without reducing their yield at all.  This podcast is produced by CEO and Counter Balance. Both NGOs raise awareness on the importance of good governance in the EU by researching issues like lobbying of large and powerful industries, corporate capture of decision making, corruption, fraud, human rights violations in areas like Big Tech, agro-business, biotech & chemical companies, the financial sector & public investment banks, trade, energy & climate, scientific research and much more…You can find us on iTunes, Spotify & Buzzsprout. Stay tuned for more independent and in-depth information that concerns every EU citizen!

The Farm to Fork strategy, which outlines several targets to green the EU's agri-food sector, has sparked debate ever since its unveiling in May 2020.The outcomes of some initial studies on the Farm to Fork's impact concluded that the Farm to Fork's goals are in reach but risk a significant reduction in EU food production and farmers' income, underlining their fears about the strategy's potential impact on the sector.Environmental organisations have been quick to highlight the shortcomings of these. They say the studies do not consider the full range of benefits that more sustainable production would bring to the sector.A main divide between the two sides is that industry wants an overall impact assessment of the Farm to Fork strategy, whereas environmental organisations believe that evaluating each measure in the strategy would be sufficient. Listen to this EURACTIV Virtual Conference to find out what we still do not know about the impact of the EU's Farm to Fork strategy on farmers, consumers, and the environment. And what policy instruments will be needed to reach the targets?

How much do we know of the way food and drink SMEs adapt to legislation decided in Brussels? How do they cope with new requirements and transitional periods? What are their main challenges? Some SMEs are ahead of the curve, but their efforts sometimes go unnoticed. Listen to this audio to find out more about implementation of the Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy and their impact on European food and drink SMEs.

How much do we know of the way food and drink SMEs adapt to legislation decided in Brussels? How do they cope with new requirements and transitional periods? What are their main challenges? Some SMEs are ahead of the curve, but their efforts sometimes go unnoticed. Listen to this audio to find out more about implementation of the Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy and their impact on European food and drink SMEs.

Slow Food Europe is back with a second episode on the EU Farm to Fork Strategy, which was proposed by the EU Commission last year to accelerate the transition towards sustainable food systems in Europe. Last month, the EU Parliament voted in favor of this strategy despite repeated lobbying attacks from the agrifood industry. Slow Food warmly welcomed this vote, and took the opportunity to gather three panelists who have worked hard on the Farm to Fork Strategy since the start: Nina Holland, researcher at Corporate Europe Observatory (@nina_holland) Martin Dermine, policy officer at PAN Europe Tilly Metz, Member of the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance at the European Parliament (@MetzTilly) In this episode, our guests talk about the EU Farm to Fork Strategy and what has happened since its publication in May 2020. They shed light on the intense lobbying that the agro-chemical industry has been doing to try to weaken the Strategy, and on how you, as European citizens can influence food policy, for example through the recent successful European Citizens Initative “Save bees and farmers”. For more details on the EU Parliament's vote of the EU Farm to Fork Strategy, read our recap article: https://www.slowfood.com/eu-parliament-gives-the-green-light-to-the-farm-to-fork-strategy/ Also, do not hesitate to follow @SlowFoodEurope on Twitter, as well as our guests: @MetzTilly, @corporateeurope and @EuropePAN!   Do you wanna give your feedback to the SFYN Podcast? Fill in this quick form: https://forms.gle/8dh6bViGAh3GKJsb8 Music: Leonardo Prieto Dorantes Production: Valentina Gritti  Financed by the European Union. The contents of this podcast are the sole responsibility of the author and the EASME is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein. A project by the Slow Food Youth Network

Welcome to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio, guest hosted by Lyndsey Smith. You’ll hear from: Pekka Pesonen of Copa-Cogeca, representing European farmers and agri-cooperatives. He talks with Kelvin Heppner about the E.U.’s Farm to Fork Strategy; A clip from last night’s episode of The Agronomists, featuring Laura Van Eerd and Scott Gillespie; Danny Ottenbreit... Read More

Welcome to this Tuesday edition of RealAg Radio, guest hosted by Lyndsey Smith. You’ll hear from: Pekka Pesonen of Copa-Cogeca, representing European farmers and agri-cooperatives. He talks with Kelvin Heppner about the E.U.’s Farm to Fork Strategy; A clip from last night’s episode of The Agronomists, featuring Laura Van Eerd and Scott Gillespie; Danny Ottenbreit... Read More

Despite major concerns from farmers, the European Union’s proposed Farm to Fork strategy received a show of support from members of the European Parliament last week. The policy, which the European Commission says is aimed at making the EU’s food systems “fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly,” would introduce significant restrictions to the amount of pesticides, fertilizers,... Read More

At a time of rising obesity and non-communicable diseases, EU policy-makers have committed to address this shared challenge. The European Commission has made healthier diets one of the priorities of this mandate, and different public health and food policies aiming to achieve healthier food environments are being developed within the framework of the Farm to Fork Strategy.These efforts are all the more urgent in the current reality of the Covid-19 pandemic. There is growing evidence that chronic health conditions, such as obesity and diabetes, are associated with increased risk and severity of COVID-19 outcomes.In the pursuit of healthier food environments for EU citizens, as part of an inclusive whole-of-society approach, industry has been called upon to contribute to a sustainable food system, for example by reformulating products and providing healthier options. In this context, low or no calorie sweeteners are seen as a useful tool to help manufacturers achieve products with less sugar and fewer calories, while still being palatable to consumers.

At a time of rising obesity and non-communicable diseases, EU policy-makers have committed to address this shared challenge. The European Commission has made healthier diets one of the priorities of this mandate, and different public health and food policies aiming to achieve healthier food environments are being developed within the framework of the Farm to Fork Strategy.These efforts are all the more urgent in the current reality of the Covid-19 pandemic. There is growing evidence that chronic health conditions, such as obesity and diabetes, are associated with increased risk and severity of COVID-19 outcomes.In the pursuit of healthier food environments for EU citizens, as part of an inclusive whole-of-society approach, industry has been called upon to contribute to a sustainable food system, for example by reformulating products and providing healthier options. In this context, low or no calorie sweeteners are seen as a useful tool to help manufacturers achieve products with less sugar and fewer calories, while still being palatable to consumers.

The use of gene-editing technologies in plants has come under increased scrutiny in the EU over the past few years, following the 2018 European Court of Justice ruling that gene-edited organisms should fall, in principle, under the EU's GMO directive.This ruling was welcomed by campaign groups and environmentalists, who warn of the wide-ranging ramifications from the use of such a technology, including corporate control of seeds and environmental concerns. However, proponents argue that gene editing is a sorely needed innovation that would help Europe's agricultural sector meet the ambitious green objectives set out in the bloc's flagship food policy, the Farm to Fork Strategy, as well as help the EU's health sector address some of the most devastating genetic diseases.In April 2021, the European Commission published a study on new genomic techniques (NGTs), with the aim to clarify the EU's position on the technology in light of the 2018 ruling. The study has concluded that the current legal framework governing NGTs is insufficient and indicated that new policy instruments should be considered to reap the benefits of this technology.The study has also confirmed that NGT products have the potential to contribute to sustainable agri-food systems in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy.How can the EU enable NGT products to contribute to sustainability, while addressing concerns? How can it best inform and engage with the public on NGTs?This EURACTIV Virtual Conference discussed how progress can be made by moving away from a simple 'benefit-risk' debate and engaging in a collaborative discussion building on the Commission's NGT study.

The use of gene-editing technologies in plants has come under increased scrutiny in the EU over the past few years, following the 2018 European Court of Justice ruling that gene-edited organisms should fall, in principle, under the EU’s GMO directive.This ruling was welcomed by campaign groups and environmentalists, who warn of the wide-ranging ramifications from the use of such a technology, including corporate control of seeds and environmental concerns. However, proponents argue that gene editing is a sorely needed innovation that would help Europe’s agricultural sector meet the ambitious green objectives set out in the bloc’s flagship food policy, the Farm to Fork Strategy, as well as help the EU’s health sector address some of the most devastating genetic diseases.In April 2021, the European Commission published a study on new genomic techniques (NGTs), with the aim to clarify the EU’s position on the technology in light of the 2018 ruling. The study has concluded that the current legal framework governing NGTs is insufficient and indicated that new policy instruments should be considered to reap the benefits of this technology.The study has also confirmed that NGT products have the potential to contribute to sustainable agri-food systems in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy.How can the EU enable NGT products to contribute to sustainability, while addressing concerns? How can it best inform and engage with the public on NGTs?This EURACTIV Virtual Conference discussed how progress can be made by moving away from a simple ’benefit-risk’ debate and engaging in a collaborative discussion building on the Commission’s NGT study.

In this episode with Bérénice Dupeux, Senior Policy Officer for Agriculture at the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), about withdrawing the CAP and how it should be structured instead; income support, climate change, the interaction with the Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy, and much more. 

The rise of antimicrobial resistance is a looming global crisis, threatening our ability to treat common infectious diseases, resulting in prolonged illness, disability, and death. Over-use and misuse of antibiotics in animals and humans is contributing to the rising threat of antibiotic resistance.  The Farm to Fork Strategy sets an ambitious target to reduce the sales of antimicrobials for farmed animals by 50% by 2030. To further limit the use and promote prudent and responsible use of antimicrobials in animals, the new regulations on veterinary medicinal products and medicated feed, to apply as of 2022, will provide for a wide range of concrete measures. The meat sector has already made significant progress in the reduction of the use of antibiotics in recent years. For example, the EU poultry sector has seen their use slashed by 82% in Italy and by 75% in the Netherlands, with significant reductions also seen elsewhere in the EU.

The rise of antimicrobial resistance is a looming global crisis, threatening our ability to treat common infectious diseases, resulting in prolonged illness, disability, and death. Over-use and misuse of antibiotics in animals and humans is contributing to the rising threat of antibiotic resistance. The Farm to Fork Strategy sets an ambitious target to reduce the sales of antimicrobials for farmed animals by 50% by 2030. To further limit the use and promote prudent and responsible use of antimicrobials in animals, the new regulations on veterinary medicinal products and medicated feed, to apply as of 2022, will provide for a wide range of concrete measures. The meat sector has already made significant progress in the reduction of the use of antibiotics in recent years. For example, the EU poultry sector has seen their use slashed by 82% in Italy and by 75% in the Netherlands, with significant reductions also seen elsewhere in the EU.

 In this episode we talk with Emeritus Professor Allan Buckwell, Research Director at the RISE Foundation, about the current CAP reform, whether it is possible to scrap it, the interaction with the Farm to Fork Strategy and the Green Deal, his views on generational renewal and much more. 

In this episode we talk with Samuel Masse, President of the European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA) and an organic wine grower, about the effects of the Farm to Fork Strategy on young farmers, the future of organic farming, and what his farm village needs to attract the next generation. 

In this episode we talk with Jeroen Candel, assistant professor in food and agricultural policy at Wageningen University, about the producer and institutional sides of the Farm to Fork Strategy. How ambitious is it? Can those ambitions be realised? And how do we ensure that farmers are along for the journey?  Article co-authored by Jeroen Candel on the F2F: https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-020-00166-9#Tab1 

The Farm to Fork Strategy is at the heart of the European Green Deal, aiming to make food systems fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly. The aim of the Farm to Fork strategy is to make the EU food system a global standard for sustainability. But the transition to sustainable food systems will require a collective approach involving public authorities at all levels of governance, private sector actors across the food value chain, non-governmental organisations, social partners, academics and citizens.

In a multifunctional agricultural system, that has characterized our viticulture for centuries, biodiversity provides important ecological services that underpin vineyard health, productivity, quality and resilience. In the last decades, vineyard expansion and intensification are compromising the diversity and abundance of service-providing organisms, due to landscape homogenization, loss of key structures such as stone walls and hedgerows, high mechanization (including frequent tilling), and/or overuse of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides. The wine industry relies on nature, so we need to enhance and preserve the Eco services that nature provides, such as carbon storage, natural control of undesirable organisms, self-regulation and reliance on the natural balance that biodiversity provides. On the other hand, and in line with the European Green Deal, the European Commission adopted a comprehensive new Biodiversity Strategy to bring nature back into our lives and a Farm to Fork Strategy for a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food system. These two strategies are mutually reinforcing, bringing together nature, farmers, businesses and consumers for jointly working towards a competitively sustainable future. This Climate Talk will address how farmers are managing biodiversity in their vines and how they can benefit from the balance provided by it. For that purpose, in this conversation we will bring together, producers from different parts of the world to talk about their experience on how they are enhancing the role of biodiversity in their vines. They will share the solutions they have been implementing and the impacts on their grapes and wines, and how these practices are aligned with their challenge of adapting to climate change. In this debate, we will also explore the importance of international and national strategies and the role of each partner in achieving the goals set. Host: PEDRO BEJA . Portugal . Rechearcher at CIBIO – Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources Guests: GABRIELA MASCIOLI . Portugal . Co-owner of Herdade de Coalheiros (Alentejo) JOHN WILLIAMS . USA . Owner and Winemaker at Frog's Leap MICHAEL GOËSS-ENZENBERG . Italy . Owner of Manicor

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Europe's economy. They represent over 90% of all businesses in the EU. They employ around 100 million people, account for more than half of Europe’s GDP and play a key role in adding value in every sector of the economy. SMEs bring innovative solutions to challenges like climate change, resource efficiency and social cohesion, and help spread this innovation throughout Europe.SMEs have been at the front line of the economic shock caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In early surveys, over 50% of SMEs indicated that they could be out of business within the next few months. Since then, many have gone bankrupt. And Brexit will provide more uncertainty for business, regardless of whether there is a deal or not. With many SMEs in its ecosystem, 'food and drink' is a sector especially hard hit by the crisis. The sector's SMEs are looking at how EU policies, such as the Farm to Fork Strategy, can help them.

The plant-based food market is booming in Europe and predicted to grow further in the coming years. The market is expected to increase to 2.4bn euros in 2025, from 1.5bn euros in 2018.In the EU, terms like “almond milk” or “vegan cheese” are already prohibited. In 2019, a report by the European Parliament’s AGRI Committee included an amendment that proposes to further restrict the naming of dairy alternatives by prohibiting terms, such as “yoghurt style”, “alternative to cheese” or “butter substitute,” along with legislation that prohibits plant-based foods from ‘imitation or evocation’ of their dairy counterparts. This is in parallel to another amendment which effectively seeks to ban plant-based alternatives to meat from using names like “vegan steak” or “plant-based chicken.” A key question is how these amendments may impact consumers.

In this episode we talk with Tassos Haniotis, Director of Strategy, Simplification and Policy Analysis, DG AGRI, European Commission about the next CAP reform, the impact of the Farm to Fork Strategy, and whether consumers make rational choices.

In this new EU Watchdog episode CEO-researcher Nina Holland explains why and how it is possible that the European Parliament and ministers of Agriculture decided this week - under influence of the powerful agrochemical lobby to go for the destructive status quo on European agriculture.Nina Holland, researcher at CEO, main author of a very recent CEO-report on the Agrochemical lobby explains how a ‘unholy alliance' of the big farm and agribusiness lobby group Copa-Cogeca, together with pesticides and food industry giants, have been waging a full-blown lobby battle against the EU's Farm to Fork Strategy as well as the Biodiversity Strategy. The same lobby-alliance also pushed national governments and members of the European Parliament to stop the ongoing Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) reform from being aligned with this new Green Deal. On the basis of this lobby blitzkrieg, EU decision makers then made a choice that basically means another seven years of spending of yearly 60 billion euro going to a destructive CAP, which is not being aligned with the Green Deal. The existing farming alternatives and available scientific guidance to steer agriculture and food production in a more sustainable direction are being completely ignored by most national and EU-policymakers.Those EU politicians taking these crazy decisions are not only too much under the influence of lobbies, they simply do not seem to know what they are talking about. For example, often they bark at their opponents that policies should be based on “sound science”. But a little over ten years ago an international UN-led panel of hundreds of scientific agriculture experts, published a report that called strongly for a paradigm shift. This Worldbank led initiative was called the “International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development” or IAASTD. Now ten years later there is a follow-up called: "Transformation of our food systems - the making of a paradigm shift.” Benny Haerlin , together with Hans Herren the editor of this important work, explains.Lastly Danish agriculture and food Expert Asger Mindegaard of the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) talks about a fascinating and inspiring project on Agroecology in Europe. Asger and colleagues have been visiting farms all over Europe that already put in practice the new farming methods that are cornerstones of the new food systems that we so urgently need.

Looking at the future of agriculture in general, and the fertiliser industry in particular, the challenges of sustainable food production are apparent. Growing food demand will force farmers to invest in innovative tools to increase production, ensuring maximum efficiency from the land they farm. An adequate supply of nutrients in the soil is essential to crop growth as it increases the production of biomass in the plant and thus yields. It is seen as an important contributory factor to address the major challenge of feeding a growing world population. However, excessive nutrients in the soil can contribute to problems such as pollution of drinking water, soil acidification and climate change. The Farm to Fork Strategy, and the broader European Green Deal, offer a chance to show that sustainability and food security are inextricably linked. These programmes can help identify the best transition to sustainable food systems, leading to food security and resilience, and to kick-start the long-term transformation of our food system that scientists, civil society and farming groups are calling for. >> Click here for more information about the event. >> Click here to check out our upcoming event

This week in this special edition of the EURACTIV Agrifood podcast, we spoke to a range of stakeholders and policymakers to hear their reactions to the presentation of the highly anticipated Farm to Fork strategy which, after several delays, was finally presented on the 20 May.

Backed by the organic food sector, EU lawmakers are pushing the European Commission to delay the coming into force of the reformed organic regulation; after being delayed twice, the European Commission is ready to unveil on 20 May its much-awaited food policy, the Farm to Fork Strategy; and EURACTIV takes a look at how the agritourism sector is struggling during the COVID-19 crisis. This week featuring Matteo Metta from ARC2020, who explains the findings from a recent analysis on the transparency and stakeholder inclusivity of the design process of national Common Agricultural Policy plans.