Support resources for the F2F strategy
• Research, Innovation, Technology, and Investment
Research and innovation (R&I) are core factors driving the transition to a sustainable, healthy, and inclusive food system, encompassing all stages from initial production to consumption. Within the framework of the Horizon 2020 program, the European Commission has launched a call for proposals aligned with the EU Green Deal priorities, allocating approximately 10 billion euros for R&I activities related to food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture, and the environment, as well as the use of digital technologies and nature-based solutions for the agri-food sector.
Additionally, the European Commission will collaborate with Member States to strengthen the role of the European Innovation Partnership "Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability" (EIP-AGRI) within strategic plans. Furthermore, the European Regional Development Fund will invest in innovation and collaboration along the food value chain, while the InvestEU Fund will facilitate access to finance for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to participate more actively in building sustainable food supply chains.
All rural areas in the EU need to be connected to high-speed and stable internet, which will help mainstream green and precision agriculture, allowing the EU to fully leverage its leadership in satellite technology. This will reduce costs for farmers, improve land and water quality management, decrease the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and greenhouse gas emissions, while enhancing biodiversity and creating a healthier environment. Therefore, the European Commission aims to accelerate the deployment of fast broadband internet in rural areas, targeting 100% connectivity by 2025.
• Advisory Services, Data Sharing, Knowledge, and Skills
All actors in the food system need access to advisory services and appropriate knowledge, data, and skills to develop sustainably. To this end, the European Commission will enhance the effectiveness of the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS). In their Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plans, Member States will need to increase support for AKIS and strengthen resources to develop and maintain suitable advisory services aimed at achieving the Green Deal objectives and targets.
The European Commission will also propose legislation to transform the Farm Accountancy Data Network into the Farm Sustainability Data Network, with the goal of collecting data on the Farm to Fork (F2F) strategy indicators and other sustainability metrics. This network will enable the comparison of farm performance against regional, national, or sectoral averages, thereby providing feedback and guidance to farms through tailored advisory services, while also connecting farm experiences to relevant research programs and projects.
As part of the European data strategy, the common European agriculture data space will enhance the sustainability of the region's agriculture through the processing and analysis of production, land use, environmental, and other data. This will allow for precise and tailored production methods at the farm level, monitor the sector's performance, and support the carbon farming initiative. EU programs such as Copernicus and the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) will minimize investment risks and facilitate sustainable practices in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
Additionally, the European Commission will provide support through the Skills Program and the EU Enterprise Network to help small food processors, retailers, and food services develop the skills and knowledge needed to build new sustainable business models without facing excessive administrative burdens or additional costs.
Source: Center for WTO and International Trade - VCCI