We support the EU global commitment to end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition through a dedicated, reinforced science-policy interface and a fostered inter-policy dialogue.
This section provides insight in some publications on Sustainable Food Systems prepared by the JRC.
JRC- 2024
This scientific brief aims to support policymakers by giving a comprehensive overview of both the concept and of ongoing discussions. This scientific brief is structured into two parts. The first part provides a definition and analytical framework of food systems. The second part looks at food systems in Low and Middle Income Countries, highlighting some drivers and promising entry points for transforming the food system in support of the SDGs
JRC - 2021
The purpose of this Knowledge Review is to provide policymakers and practitioners with key knowledge about Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) in a concise document. This Knowledge Review is based on seventeen reports, representing a small part of the literature available on SFS. Consequently, the knowledge presented here is not exhaustive. The Knowledge gives an overview on challenges in food systems, designing policies and opportunity for policy measures to support the transition toward SFS.
JRC - 2024
This report identifies key sustainability elements in food system conceptualizations, including environmental, economic, social, and governance aspects. These elements are then linked to the SDGs to demonstrate how sustainable food systems can advance them in an integrated manner. The current state of progress on food system-related SDGs is discussed, highlighting challenges and opportunities.
This study combines household survey data on food consumption with satellite data capturing the urbanisation gradient following the harmonized definition of the Degree or Urbanisation. While there are important differences across countries, several patterns emerge clearly including a shift away from traditional staples, towards more conveniently consumed and prepared foods. While the effects are often strongest cities, we find significant differences in food consumption at much lower levels of urbanization.
This report summarises the main steps taken to develop the system, the principles for the selection of the indicators to develop a monitoring framework on progress towards a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food system.
The the path to achieve such an ambitious goal, as set out by the EC Farm to Fork Strategy, should promote policy coherence at EU and national level, mainstream sustainability in food-related policies and strengthen the resilience of food systems. This report focuses on provisions setting requirements to improve the sustainability of food products. This report was carried out to better understand the environmental impacts of such provisions and their evolution over time, as well as their coverage in terms of actors and environmental impacts of the EU food system.
JRC - 2022
Food loss and waste reduction and healthy diets are powerful enablers of the transition towards sustainable food systems.
The Farm to Fork Strategy foresees the development of a proposal for a legislative framework, to facilitate the move towards food system sustainability. The report is documenting an exercise to generate a non-binding source of collective advice from a broad international group of people with in-depth knowledge on different aspects of the EU food system, based on a participatory and system-based approach. Participants identified and explored as possible relevant elements for a legislative framework. The report summarizes the results of these discussions, reflecting the views of the participants.
The Food System Sustainability Compass is a metrics framework developed to support decision-makers in assessing food system sustainability. It can generate comprehensive food system insights that enable relevant actions and negotiation involving policymakers from different policy domains.
03 Jan 2025 | 10 Jan 2025
