Brussels, March 7, 2024: Today, REVOLVE is hosting PATHWAYS‘ For Sustainable Food Forum, a space for discussions on sustainable practices in the European livestock sector with the aim of reducing environmental impacts while meeting increasing societal demands for safe, nutritious, and affordable meat and dairy products.
Driven by the urgent need for positive changes both in the livestock sector and society at large, PATHWAYS represents a ground-breaking initiative. By forging new pathways towards sustainability, this project aims to redefine the future of European agriculture.
“We need policy because it’s not enough to identify what’s wrong with livestock, we have to take into account the positive externalities of livestock and all we are in danger of losing if we have an approach that’s too drastic” states Brigitte Missone, Head of Unit, EU Agriculture.
In response to the challenges faced by the agri-food industry, PATHWAYS presents a series of comprehensive recommendations aimed at fostering a harmonious coexistence between agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship:
Performance-based payments (PBP): Advocating for PBP within the Collective Agriculture Policy, PATHWAYS proposes incentivizing sustainable practices among farmers.
Emission Reduction Mechanism: in alignment with climate goals, PATHWAYS calls for a mechanism that rewards farmers for reducing emissions.
Diversification of Protein Sources: PATHWAYS encourages a shift towards diets with lower animal protein intake while ensuring nutritional needs are met.
Key insights from the project’s analysis include:
Market Expansion: Increased exports and intra-European trade balance self-sufficiency with global reach, shaping consumption towards healthier options and reducing waste.
Tech-Driven Efficiency: Livestock farms optimize productivity with advanced technologies, minimizing resource use for a more sustainable future.
Diverse Offerings: Retailers promote plant-based diets alongside premium meats, catering to evolving tastes and sustainability concerns.
Animal Welfare Focus: Enhancing animal welfare throughout the value chain underscores commitment to ethical practices, fostering consumer trust.
PATHWAYS emphasizes maximizing positive animal experiences throughout the value chain.
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ABOUT
REVOLVE: Belgium-based NGO advocating for sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
PATHWAYS: €9 million Horizon 2020 project running from 2021 to 2026, aims to enhance sustainability in meat and dairy production. Coordinated by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and supported by 28 partners across 12 countries, PATHWAYS aligns with the EU Farm-to-Fork Strategy and the EU Green Deal.
