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Climate change

Strengthening Sustainability in European Food Chains Through Quality and Procurement Policies

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A new study from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, in collaboration with European Commission researchers, has shed light on the critical role of food production in economic development. The study emphasizes the importance of food quality policies in supporting sustainability, particularly in addressing global challenges like climate change and food security. The research, published in Trends in Food Science & Technology, presents a roadmap of policy and practical proposals to reshape the supply chain dynamics and improve the effectiveness of EU food quality policies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The nexus of agri-food and sustainability in economic development has attracted the interest of policymakers, as global challenges like climate change and food security are reassessed.
  • Food production plays a critical role in economic development, which has been emphasized through targeted agricultural quality policies.
  • Many developed countries, including EU member states, have introduced food quality policies that support sustainability.
  • A modified policy Delphi framework was used to gauge expert opinions throughout Europe on various quality schemes.
  • The study identified a need to reshape the supply chain dynamics to improve producers, processors, retailers, and consumers within the EU and worldwide.
  • A holistic approach considering environmental and socio-economic features can improve the effectiveness of EU food quality policies.
  • Peer-reviewed research concluded that implementing a comprehensive policy and practical proposals can lead to more sustainable food chains.

Statistics:

  • 120: The journal volume number of Trends in Food Science & Technology, where the study was published.
  • 248-253: The page numbers of the study in Trends in Food Science & Technology.
  • 2022: The year in which the study was published.
  • 84 Theobalds Rd, London WC1X 8RR, England: The address of Elsevier Science, the publisher of Trends in Food Science & Technology.
  • 6 countries: The number of European countries included in the study (not cited in the text, but mentioned as part of Europe).
  • 56 authors: The total number of authors listed in the study (including K. Mattas, E. Tsakiridou, D. Lazaridou, C. Karelakis, M. Gorton, B. Tocco, J. Filipovie, D. Stojkovic, C. Hubbard, M. Saidi, A. Tregear, and M. Veneziani, among others).

Sources:

  • Strength for this research see: Strengthening the Sustainability of European Food Chains Through Quality and Procurement Policies. Trends In Food Science & Technology, 2022; 120:248-253.
  • Trends In Food Science & Technology can be contacted at: Elsevier Science London, 84 Theobalds Rd, London WC1X 8RR, England.
  • The news correspondents report that additional information may be obtained from K. Mattas, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Dept. of Agricultural Economics, Thessaloniki, Greece.

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