Expectations of the Food Supply Chain for the EU’s Agrifood Policy: Interview with EuroCommerce Director General

In the ever-evolving landscape of the EU’s agrifood policy, the expectations of all segments of the food supply chain are crucial. In a recent interview with Euractiv, Christel Delberghe, director general of retailers’ association EuroCommerce, shared insights on the importance of avoiding “counterproductive” measures when addressing farmers’ position in the supply chain.

Delberghe emphasized the need to remove barriers to investment in the agrifood sector to support farmers effectively. She highlighted the single market fragmentation as a key obstacle to investment, stressing the importance of harmonizing sustainability definitions and nutrition labelling across the EU.

The upcoming legislative term is set to bring changes to the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy regulation on contracts and collective bargaining for farmers, as well as proposals to ensure cross-border enforcement of the Unfair Trading Practices directive. These measures aim to empower farmers and ensure they receive a fair share of the value in the food chain.

However, concerns have been raised about the potential for stricter cross-border enforcement to be used as a tool for protectionism, as seen in France’s Egalim law. Delberghe called for a balanced approach that respects EU law and allows parties to choose the country from which they source their products.

The focus on France and Spain’s developments in the food chain laws has also raised eyebrows, with EuroCommerce expressing concerns about the implications of banning “sales at loss” and determining production costs. The need for clarity on health and sustainability criteria, such as the adoption of Nutriscore labelling and sustainable food systems legislation, was highlighted as essential for driving investment in the sector.

In conclusion, Delberghe emphasized the importance of aligning key sustainability criteria and definitions to increase the value share for farmers in the food chain. By improving sustainability and nutrition labelling, consumers can make informed purchasing decisions that support food producers.

As the EU moves forward with its agrifood policy for the next mandate, it is crucial to strike a balance between empowering farmers, promoting sustainability, and fostering a competitive market that benefits all stakeholders in the food supply chain. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving topic with Euractiv.