During a roundtable discussion, key figures in the Belgian meat industry addressed issues surrounding sustainability and the lack of knowledge regarding the industry within the European Commission. Michael Gore, Managing Director at FEBEV, Joris Coenen, Manager at the Belgian Meat Office, and Hélène Simonin, Director of Sustainability and Food Policy at the European Livestock and Meat Trades Union, emphasized the need for a more scientific approach to sustainability in order to make progress.
The Importance of Data
As part of the EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy, the goal is to have 25% organic farmland by 2030. This is based on research that shows organic farming promotes biodiversity, improves soil health, and benefits animal welfare. However, the speakers criticized this goal, stating that it is unrealistic and lacks a proper policy framework. In contrast, FEBEV has implemented a sustainability monitor that provides data on the sustainability practices of farmers in the Belgian meat sector. This monitor, based on the UN’s sustainable development goals, allows farmers to assess and improve their sustainability practices through yearly audits.
“The sustainability monitor includes the data needed to show the reality of what the sector needs to do,” said Joris Coenen from the Belgian Meat Office. He highlighted the importance of industry input and the willingness to listen to data in order to achieve sustainability.
Food and Nutritional Security
The discussion also touched on the topic of food security, particularly in light of economic challenges and geopolitical conflicts. Hélène Simonin emphasized the difference between food security and nutritional security. While food security focuses on meeting calorie needs, nutritional security encompasses the importance of providing essential nutrients to nourish individuals properly.
She stressed that the European Commission should consider the complexity of the situation when developing sustainability policies, ensuring that nutrition security is maintained alongside sustainability efforts. This requires trade-offs and a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of the food industry.
