This Code is one of the first results of the Farm to Fork strategy and an integral part of its action plan. It sets out the actions that „farm-to-fork” actors, such as food processors, food service operators and retailers, can voluntarily commit to undertake to concretely improve and communicate their sustainability performance.
These actions can be directly relevant and implemented within your own operations or can encourage collaboration with industry peers and other food system stakeholders, such as farmers and consumers, to make similar changes. The Code enters into force on July 5, 2021.
The purpose of this Code is to unite us behind a common path of aspiration towards sustainable food systems, inviting businesses of all sizes operating in production, trade, processing, promotion, distribution, and food service, as well as any other stakeholders in the food system, to align with this common agenda and contribute with tangible actions to achieve the objectives set within it.
This Code applies to its signatories, which may be European associations, food business operators, and other actors within or related to food systems who can significantly support and/or contribute to the aspirational objectives set out in the Code. The Code applies to all activities of this voluntary effort and is complementary to compliance with existing legal obligations.
The signatories are targeting 7 aspirational objectives:
Objective 1
Healthy, balanced, and sustainable diets for all European consumers, thereby contributing to reversing malnutrition and diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the EU and reducing the ecological footprint of food consumption by 2030.
Objective 2
Prevention and reduction of food loss and waste at the consumer level, within internal operations, and across value chains.
Objective 3
A climate-neutral food chain in Europe by 2050.
Goal 4
An optimized, circular, and resource-efficient food chain in Europe.
Goal 5
Sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
Goal 6
Creating sustainable value in the European food supply chain through partnership.
Goal 7
Sustainable procurement in food supply chains.
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