Brussels, 30 April 2025
On 29 April 2025, Primary Food Processors (PFP) hosted a high level discussion on the theme “From Field to Market: Unlocking the Competitive Edge of Primary Food Processing”, highlighting both the crucial role of EU primary food processors and the competitiveness challenges and opportunities ahead.
Primary Food Processors act as the link between agriculture and consumers, converting agricultural commodities into essential food ingredients, animal feed and bio based products that support the EU bioeconomy. As key actors in the EU’s food, feed and industrial value chains, they are vital for food security, sovereignty, innovation and rural economies.
In a context of increasing global competition, price volatility and decarbonisation demands, the forum focused on how to ensure the continued competitiveness of the sector and strengthen its contribution to Europe’s economy and food system.
Led by moderator Natasha Foote, the forum opened with remarks from the PFP Presidency and continued with the presentation of a competitiveness study conducted by Wageningen Economic & Social Research. The study examined the sector’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats while highlighting its strategic importance to the European economy.
The research showed that primary food processors handle approximately 250 million tonnes of agricultural raw materials each year, support around 1.2 million jobs throughout the value chain, and provide more than 137,000 direct jobs across Europe. The study also highlighted that low profit margins make the sector particularly vulnerable to external shocks, while decarbonisation requirements and complex legislation continue to increase operational pressures.
Policy perspectives were provided by representatives from the European Commission. DG AGRI’s Fabien Santini outlined upcoming simplification measures aimed at reducing regulatory burdens for farmers and the food industry. DG ENER’s Tom Howes discussed EU support for industrial decarbonisation through the Clean Industrial Deal while acknowledging the specific characteristics of primary food processing that should be reflected in future policy frameworks.
The discussion also featured contributions from Patrick Pagani of COPA COGECA and Christophe Lescroart representing the PFP Board, followed by an interactive exchange with participants.
“It is imperative that we work together to leverage our collective expertise and resources to drive progress and build a brighter future for all.”
Christophe Lescroart, on behalf of PFP
Primary Food Processors (PFP) represents the primary food processing industry in the European Union and serves as the link between agriculture and downstream food, feed and industrial value chains.
For more information, visit www.pfp-eu.org.
PFP brings together the European Association of Sugar Manufacturers (CEFS), the European Cocoa Association (ECA), the European Flour Milling Association (European Flour Millers), the European Vegetable Protein Association (EUVEPRO), the European Vegetable Oil and Proteinmeal Industry (FEDIOL), and the European Starch Industry Association (Starch Europe).
