Sustainable Food System in the European Union

Dear Colleagues,

Among the efforts to tackle climate and environmental challenges, the European Green Deal (EGD) plays an important role proposing a holistic approach in which all European actions and policies contribute to the objectives of the Green Deal itself. The EGD plans new, sustainable and inclusive growth strategies to enhance the economy, people's health and quality of life, taking care for nature, and leaving no one behind. The Farm to Fork (F2F) Strategy is one of the EGD strategies focused on sustainable food systems and the complex links between healthy people, healthy societies and a healthy planet. The F2F strategy, while emphasizing the awareness that food systems remain one of the key drivers of climate change and environmental degradation, highlights the need of transition towards a green agri-food system.

The main goals of the F2F strategy are to ensure sufficient, affordable and nutritious food within planetary limits; to guarantee sustainable food production through a substantial reduction in pesticides, antimicrobials and fertilisers use and an increase in organic farming; to promote more sustainable food consumption and healthy diets; to minimize food loss and waste; to fight food fraud and to improve animal welfare. The F2F strategy’s aim can be summarized as a shift to a sustainable food system able to bring environmental, health and social benefits; offer economic gains and ensure sustainable growth paths.

This Special Issue of Sustainability intends to contribute to this field by collecting high-quality studies and research works related to the complexity of food systems to measure the progress in the achievement of F2F and EGD strategies’ goals.

This Special Issue is designed to encourage researchers to share their results by submitting original research articles, case studies, reviews, critical perspectives and viewpoint articles. The Special Issue’s final results will provide an updated picture of the effectiveness of the F2F strategy and of any corrective actions needed.

Dr. Mariarosaria Lombardi
Dr. Vera Amicarelli
Dr. Erica Varese
Guest Editors

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