Deliverable 2.3 Resumé on performance of EU food systems towards European FNS and SDGs

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the extent to which the evolution of the EU food system to 2030 is likely to contribute to achieving dedicated SDGs considering also interactions, synergies, and trade- offs with the rest of the world. Given the multiplicity of the SDGs, we examine a subset of goals and indicators, related to major social, economic, and environmental issues. In particular, we trace the developments of representative SDG indicators up to 2030 in order to identify possible synergies and trade-offs towards meeting these goals using a modelling toolbox comprised of economic agricultural sector models. FIT4FOOD2030 deliverable 2.1 (Wepner et al., 2018) has discussed several foresight drivers in detail and in isolation. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015, are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - as they recognize the importance of working together to combat the growing challenges facing the world. The multiple development goals with a focus on sustainability cover a wide range of social, economic, and environmental topics including, but not limited to, ending poverty, improving health and education, reducing inequality, spurring economic growth, tackling climate change, and preserving natural resources. As the heart of the 2030 agenda, these well-inclusive policy goals provide a shared blueprint for prosperity for all people on the planet, with a clear-targeted, traceable, and measurable approach. There is an expanding literature that has assessed the importance of food systems transformation in achieving the global goals. Agricultural development is essential for the reduction of poverty and hunger (World Bank 2008). Natural resource use related to agriculture and food is inequitable at present, and the benefits from the food system are unequally distributed (The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB), 2018). In order to achieve the SDGs there is a need for combined action towards a food supply that is ...