The European Commission’s two-day ‘Farm to Fork’ 2020 conference, which got underway today (Thursday, October 15), is the first in what will be an annual gathering of European stakeholders willing to engage and help shape the EU’s policy towards sustainable food systems.
Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal Frans Timmermans, together with Commissioners Stella Kyriakides, in charge of Health and Food Safety, and Janusz Wojciechowski, in charge of Agriculture, opened the conference – Building sustainable food systems together.
Over 1,000 stakeholders across the food value chain, public authorities, international and civil society organisations and the public registered to join the debate.
The commission wants participants to contribute to the implementation of the recently adopted Farm to Fork strategy for a fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly food system, which is at the heart of the European Green Deal.
The event also provides a forum for discussion on the challenges and opportunities linked to the transition to sustainable food systems, as well as on possible further areas of intervention.
European Green Deal
The EU aims to be climate neutral in 2050.
- Boost the efficient use of resources by moving to a clean, circular economy;
- Restore biodiversity and cut pollution.
The plan outlines investments needed and financing tools available. It explains how to ensure a just and inclusive transition.
The EU will provide financial support and technical assistance to help those that are most affected by the move towards the green economy.
This is called the Just Transition Mechanism. It will help mobilise at least €100 billion over the period 2021-2027 in the most affected regions.