Sustainable food systems – Pre-legislative synthesis of national, regional and local positions on the European Commission’s initiative

This briefing provides a pre-legislative synthesis of the positions of national, regional and local governmental organisations on the European Commission’s forthcoming proposal on sustainable food systems. It forms part of an EPRS series offering a summary of the pre-legislative state of play and advance consultation on a range of key European Commission priorities during its 5-year term in office. It seeks to present the current state of affairs, examine how existing policy is working on the ground, and identify best practice and ideas for the future, from governmental organisations at all levels of the European system of multilevel governance. EPRS analysis of the positions of partner organisations at European Union (EU), national, regional and local levels suggests that they would like the following main considerations to be reflected in the discussion of the forthcoming proposal on sustainable food systems. * Sustainability is being prioritised in many governmental policies. There are a number of national, regional and local policies and strategies making the connection between the environment and food and food production. * Measures are being put into place to boost the economic potential of food-related sectors and to contribute to regional development. Local and regional food systems can enhance the economic potential of EU regions. Investment in research and innovation in food-related industries is vital for the future of sustainable food systems. * Food has an important social and health dimension. An increasing number of measures are being taken to provide healthier food for wider sections of the population and to improve the working conditions of people working in food-related industries. * The COVID-19 epidemic, the war in Ukraine and fears of climate change are highlighting the issue of food security. Food also has an important geopolitical dimension. Food quality and food safety are issues of increasing concern. * The EU plays an important role when it comes to generating policies related to food systems. A number of EU funds covering food activities also contribute significantly to agriculture, rural and regional development. More financial support is necessary to tackle numerous challenges. * National, local and regional governments are active in creating sustainable food systems and aspire to do more in this area. Regional and local governments have considerable expertise and knowledge to offer in developing sustainable food systems.