This document discusses sustainability in the EU food and drink industry. It notes that the industry purchases 70% of EU agricultural produce and is the largest agricultural importer globally, relying on stable supplies of high quality raw materials. It highlights challenges like climate change, population growth, and resource scarcity putting pressure on food security. The document advocates for reducing waste, promoting industrial symbiosis, and cooperation across the food chain to develop sustainable solutions through roundtable discussions. It stresses the importance of securing raw materials sustainably to support the EU economy and food supply.

1. FoodDrinkEurope’s views on
productivity & sustainability
Mella Frewen, FoodDrinkEurope
Director General
10 November 2011

2. At a glance - The EU Food and Drink
Industry

3. Sustainability – At the heart of our
business
• The EU food industry purchases 70% of EU
agricultural produce
• The EU food industry is the largest agricultural
importer in the world
• The industry needs a stable supply of high quality
raw materials

4. The Food Supply Challenge &
Opportunity
• “Climate change, high-and-volatile
food and energy prices, population
and income growth will put intense
pressure on land and water and
challenge global food security as
never before.”
Mark Rosegrant, Director of environment
and production technology at the
International Food Policy Research
Institute

5. Example: Water shortage => Food
shortage
• Natural resources are
essential to food
production.
• Environmental
sustainability =>
security of supply

6. Challenges & Opportunities:
Reducing Waste
• EU annual food waste estimated at 89 million tonnes*, of
which 43% from households and 39% from manufacturing
(Eurostat, 2006)
• Manufacturing food waste is largely inedible (e.g.
bones, organs, shells)
• Can be diverted from landfill via industrial symbiosis and
use of by-products/co-products - 85 million tonnes of by-
products used annually for animal feed)

7. European Food Sustainable Consumption
& Production Round Table

8. Sustainable confusion?

9. The Round Table approach:
Cooperation across the whole food chain

10. Relationship with ECPA
• FoodDrinkEurope is a member of the Food Chain
Roundtable on Plant Protection:
– Acts as an informal platform for food chain partners to discuss
and share issues relating to plant protection ensuring protection
of human and animal health and the environment;
– Builds trust;
– Identifies common views and communication strategies.
• FoodDrinkEurope has an excellent working relationship with
ECPA

11. Minor Uses
• The sustainable sourcing of high quality raw material is vital
for both the EU economy and for securing the future of the
European continent’s food supply; healthy affordable food for
all consumers whilst safeguarding biodiversity.
• Awaiting Commission Report on the establishment of a
European fund for minor uses:
– Such a fund should support the development of a stronger
network and a solution finding forum for minor use problems
e.g. American IR-4 Programme
• Re-establishment of an Advisory Group to assess the
consequences of regulatory action