15 October 2020
Primary Food Processors (PFP) brought together policymakers, industry representatives and sustainability experts during a virtual forum to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with climate neutrality, industrial competitiveness and decarbonisation within Europe’s primary food processing industries.
The discussions took place as the European Union advanced its climate ambitions, including the objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Participants highlighted the strategic role of primary food processors as the link between agriculture and food manufacturing. Speakers emphasised that climate objectives can only be achieved through cooperation across the entire food value chain while ensuring that European industries remain globally competitive.
The forum also examined the progress already achieved by primary food processing industries. According to PFP, companies have significantly improved energy efficiency, optimised industrial operations and developed highly resource efficient production systems that maximise the value extracted from agricultural raw materials.
Despite this progress, the organisation noted that energy consumption remains one of the largest contributors to the environmental footprint of many processing facilities. Further emissions reductions will therefore require major investments in new technologies, upgraded infrastructure and innovative decarbonisation solutions.
PFP highlighted several conditions necessary for achieving carbon neutrality, including policy predictability, breakthrough technologies, public investment in energy infrastructure and financial support mechanisms capable of accelerating industrial transition.
The organisation warned that long investment cycles and capital intensive production facilities require regulatory certainty in order to support future decarbonisation decisions.
The forum also examined findings from Life Cycle Analysis studies conducted across several primary food processing sectors. These studies showed that agricultural production often represents the largest share of a product’s overall carbon footprint, highlighting the importance of collaboration between processors and farmers.
PFP stressed that meaningful progress towards climate neutrality will require stronger cooperation throughout the food chain and greater support for farmers implementing sustainable production practices.
The organisation emphasised that farm level action plays a critical role in reducing overall food chain emissions and that climate objectives cannot be achieved without adequate financial and technical support for agricultural producers.
PFP concluded that climate neutrality and industrial competitiveness must progress together. The organisation believes that innovation, investment and cooperation across the food value chain will be essential to achieving Europe’s environmental ambitions while maintaining food security and economic resilience.
PFP members process approximately 220 million tonnes of agricultural raw materials annually and employ more than 120,000 people across the European Union.
