A major series of debates focusing on a farm-to-fork review of France’s food sector was officially opened in Paris earlier today by Prime Minister Edouard Philippe.
The main objectives of the Etats Généraux de l’Alimentation, to which France’s President, Emmanuel Macron, committed in his election campaign, include the implementation of a production chain, which is more sustainable and equitable and safer.
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It is also aiming for a supply chain that allows farmers and growers to make a decent living from their work, fosters healthy consumption, is more respectful of the environment and reconciles international competitiveness in agri-food production with social issues.
Workshops on 14 different themes to be held between the end of August to the end of November will be attended by the representatives of farmers, industrial groups, retailers, NGOs and consumer associations.
These debating sessions will consider how selling prices for farm products can be rendered more remunerative; how production can be adapted to market requirements; and how the thorny issue of commercial and contractual relations between producers, food processors and retailers can be improved.
Another workshop will determine what investments, technical support and research are necessary in the food sector to achieve a better environmental, sanitary, social and economic performance. The findings will serve to inform future state legislative initiatives.
A public consultation via the Internet will be run in parallel to the workshops.
