This section provides insight in some publications on Sustainable Food Systems prepared by the JRC.

Scientific Brief: Sustainable Food Systems in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

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

Knowledge Review: Sustainable Food Systems

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.

Cultivating sustainability: the role of European Food Systems in advancing the SDGs

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.

Exploring food consumption patterns across the rural-urban continuum in West Africa

JRC - 2024

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. 

EU food system monitoring framework. From concepts to indicators

JRC - 2024

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.  

Towards sustainable food systems: an analysis of EU policy measures setting environmental sustainability requirements

JRC - 2024

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.

Exploring changing food attitudes to respect planetary boundaries: A global, model-based analysis

JRC - 2022

Food loss and waste reduction and healthy diets are powerful enablers of the transition towards sustainable food systems.

Concepts for a sustainable EU food system

JRC - 2022

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.

A Sustainability Compass for policy navigation to sustainable food systems

JRC - 2021

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.