EU Primary Food Processors (PFP) welcome the European Commission’s proposal for an Industrial Accelerator Act and, in particular, the intention to facilitate and speed up permitting procedures for industrial projects across the European Union. Faster, clearer, and more predictable permitting processes are essential to enable primary food processing companies to invest in decarbonisation, efficiency, and innovation.
Primary food processing industries are already undertaking significant investments to reduce emissions, improve competitiveness, and strengthen the resilience of Europe’s agri-food value chain. Streamlined permitting procedures will help accelerate these efforts and support Europe’s broader competitiveness and climate objectives.
PFP equally welcome the recognition of bioeconomy as a catalyst for sustainable bio-based solutions for industrial production. Bio-based products can be instrumental in strengthening the EU’s strategic value chains. To remain competitive, the EU must also support research and development beyond food products. This includes exploring bio-based materials, green chemistry, and biofuels – areas that can create new markets for farmers and industry alike.
However, PFP regret that food processing is not included among the strategic sectors listed in Annex I of the proposal. This omission risks overlooking the critical role that primary food processors play in Europe’s industrial and food security landscape, at a time when geopolitical disorders imperil the functioning of our various supply chains.
Primary food processing industries transform European agricultural raw materials into essential food ingredients and products that underpin the entire food supply chain. These energy-intensive operations are facing significant decarbonisation challenges while ensuring the continuity, affordability, and safety of food production across the EU.
Recognising food processing as a strategic sector would better reflect its importance to Europe’s economic resilience, rural value chains, and food security. It would also help ensure that investments needed to decarbonise and modernise the sector can be delivered at the pace required.
PFP President Giovanni Tamburini said:
“PFP calls on Members of the European Parliament and Member States to address this oversight during the legislative process and ensure that primary food processing is duly recognised in Annex I of the Industrial Accelerator Act. Such recognition would send a strong signal that Europe values the industries that transform its agricultural production into the food and ingredients that sustain its citizens every day.”
The Primary Food Processors of the EU (PFP) is composed of:
- European Association of Sugar Manufacturers (CEFS)
- European Cocoa Association (ECA)
- European Flour Milling Association (European Flour Millers)
- European Starch Industry Association (Starch Europe)
- European Vegetable Protein Association (EUVEPRO)
- European Vegetable Oil and Proteinmeal Industry (FEDIOL)
PFP members process approximately 220 million tons of raw materials (cereals, sugar beet, rapeseeds, soybeans, sunflower seeds, crude vegetable oil, cocoa beans, starch potatoes) and employ over 120,000 people in the European Union.
