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Food in a green light - A systems approach to sustainable food

Publication Created 27 Sep 2017 Published 16 Oct 2017
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This report takes a food system approach to analyse European production, consumption and trade of food, and associated environmental and human health aspects. Understanding the patterns, processes and actors involved allows for more coherent and effective policy interventions to reduce environmental pressures along the value chain, with potential co-benefits to human health and well-being. The report addresses both terrestrial and aquatic food production and goes beyond the environmental impact and economic performance of agriculture and fisheries. The focus is on long-term sustainability objectives, as laid down in the 2050 vision of the Seventh Environment Action Programme and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
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Publication Created 27 Sep 2017 Published 16 Oct 2017
EEA Report No 16/2017
This report takes a food system approach to analyse European production, consumption and trade of food, and associated environmental and human health aspects. Understanding the patterns, processes and actors involved allows for more coherent and effective policy interventions to reduce environmental pressures along the value chain, with potential co-benefits to human health and well-being. The report addresses both terrestrial and aquatic food production and goes beyond the environmental impact and economic performance of agriculture and fisheries. The focus is on long-term sustainability objectives, as laid down in the 2050 vision of the Seventh Environment Action Programme and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

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: 978-92-9213-878-3
: TH-AL-17-010-EN-C

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Building the foundations for fundamental change Achieving sustainability will require fundamental, transformative, and cross-cutting change, entailing major shifts in society’s goals, incentives, technologies, social practices and norms, as well as in knowledge systems and governance approaches.
Changing menus, changing landscapes — Agriculture and food in Europe Most of the food we eat is produced on land and in soil. What we eat and how we produce it have changed significantly in the last century along with the European landscape and society. The intensification of agriculture has enabled Europe to produce more food and at more affordable prices but at the expense of the environment and traditional farming. It is now time to rethink our relationship with the food we put on our plates and with the land and communities that produce it.
Water use in Europe — Quantity and quality face big challenges Europeans use billions of cubic metres of water every year not only for drinking water, but also for use in farming, manufacturing, heating and cooling, tourism and other service sectors. With thousands of freshwater lakes, rivers and underground water sources available, the supply of water in Europe may seem limitless. But population growth, urbanisation, pollution and the effects of climate change, such as persistent droughts, are putting a huge strain on Europe’s water supplies and on its quality.
Shift to sustainable food system in Europe is possible, but faces challenges Making Europe’s production, consumption and trade in food environmentally sustainable is possible, but it will require a major shift in public attitudes, policies and knowledge and seizing current opportunities for change, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) report published today.

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Actors in the food chain Food system actors represent the largest group of natural resource managers in the world. They are critical in both creating the problems and implementing the solutions. Identifying actors along the food chain as well as where and how power is located enables policy makers to develop management approaches targeted towards those actors with influence. In addition to those directly involved in food chain activities, governments and civil society are also important as they set the wider policy and societal context.
EU animal feed imports and land dependency In a global food system, Europe’s imports and their consumption have an environmental, social and economic impact beyond European borders. In 2013, Europe had net imports of around 27 million tonnes of soybeans and soybean products for oil production and animal feed. This means Europe is dependent on overseas land for its own livestock production most of which is in South America.
Food system outcomes In the EU today, 5 of the 7 biggest risk factors for premature death – blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, inadequate fruit and vegetable intake and alcohol abuse – are in part related to how we eat and drink. The average yearly food intake by a European adult is shown below. In 2014, more than 50% of the European population was overweight, with over 20% classified as obese.
Phosphorus and nitrogen flows and the EU food system How efficiently nutrients are used is a critical issue for a sustainable food system and the circular economy. Analysis of the N and P flows through the agricultural food system show major losses (80% for N and 70% for P). Of the total input in the form of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilisers, only 20-30% is actually embedded in the food that reaches consumers plates.

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Sustainably Yours photo competition Many of goods and services contributing to our quality of life and well-being exert pressure on the environment and global climate. The way we consume and produce (and discard) these goods and services releases pollutants, damages natural habitats and contributes to climate change – all which in turn harm our health and life on Earth. In fact, supported by over-arching European Union policies, many authorities and organisations across Europe are already taking action to reduce negative impacts. To highlight the importance of living sustainably, the European Environment Agency organised the photography competition Sustainably Yours.
Archived
Agriculture The agricultural sector is one of the main land users in Europe and thus shapes landscapes in rural areas. It has various direct and indirect impacts on the environment and is itself dependent on natural resources.
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Policy context The agricultural sector is one of the main land users in Europe and thus shapes landscapes in rural areas. It has various direct and indirect impacts on the environment and depends itself on natural resources. Patterns of agricultural production vary considerably across Europe and no general picture can be drawn. Emissions from agriculture arising from, for example, the use of fertilisers and pesticides, have decreased recently.

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