Europe Eyes Food Autonomy, Cuts Soy, Fertilizer Reliance

The COVID-19 crisis, the war in Ukraine, and climate change all contributed to an increasing awareness in recent years that our food supply depends on factors we cannot always control. Added to that are the present geopolitical tensions and trade policies implemented by the USA, says Joost de Laat, director of WUR's Social Sciences group. 'Hence, we must seek to make our food system more resilient, so that we are better able to withstand the impact of international political events and events impacting the trade chains.'

De Laat is to deliver an address on Food Autonomy at the tenth edition of F&A Next on 21 May. F&A Next is the annual international agrifood innovation event in Wageningen.

What does food autonomy mean in practice?

'WUR investigated what food autonomy means for the Netherlands in 2013. The key question at the time was whether we produce sufficient calories in the Netherlands to feed the population. The answer to that question was "yes". But our diet would have to change dramatically. Without imports, we would eat less grain, more potatoes, less beef and more chicken.'

'The EU as a whole is largely self-sufficient. The EU produces enough basic ingredients for our nutrition, except for coffee, avocados and bananas. Not too much of an issue. A critical bottleneck is the fact that we are dependent on the import of soy for our livestock sector. To ensure the supply of animal feed, we would have to produce more soy and soy substitutes in Europe. And consume less beef.'

So, we are sufficiently autonomous in terms of food, but not in terms of resources?

'Correct. We are dependent not only on soy but also on the import of artificial fertilisers from outside the EU. The European agricultural sector imports vast quantities of artificial fertilisers from Russia and Belarus, which is undesirable and risky for geopolitical reasons. Moreover, crop farming and horticulture depend on fossil fuels, such as diesel for tractors and natural gas for the greenhouses. The energy transition is moving forward quite rapidly. This is not just in Europe but also in China, and I am convinced that the US, despite Trump's policies, will follow in time. Replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy is the correct measure to slow down climate change and, in doing so, bolster food security.'

'However, we must also consider our consumption when we discuss food autonomy. We could become less dependent on soy imports if we consume fewer animal proteins and more plant proteins, which means that the protein transition benefits our food autonomy. Cutting back on food waste is also important. The larger the portion of our food consumption originates from local food chains in Europe, the better.'

Trade will continue. Where does food autonomy begin and global trade end?

'Dependencies will continue to exist, as will trade and international partnerships. I believe we must pursue the increase of food autonomy at an EU level. That means we must maintain good relations with our neighbours and export potatoes and meat to neighbouring countries in exchange for grain, sunflower oil and wine. That implies we need a European collective perspective on food. Moreover, it is important that the Netherlands produces different products than, for example, France, so that we complement each other for a varied and robust food supply.'

Food autonomy is frequently positioned opposite sustainable agriculture in policy discussions. What is your view?

'I believe this is a pseudo-conflict. Limiting the import of soy and fossil energies and replacing artificial fertilisers with biological alternatives is sensible both from a nature and food autonomy perspective. Looking at alternatives, if we produce more energy and livestock feed in Europe, we must also consider economic aspects. I was recently in Brussels for a conference on the European perspective on food and agriculture, and there, many participants underscored that we should take a broad view of food quality in Europe. Not just enough food, but varied food of good quality, which is good for the environment and climate and socially sustainable.'

That calls for a uniform policy?

Important discussions on the new European vision for agriculture are ongoing. Farmers are currently being paid per hectare, which means scale is rewarded. However, one could also reward farmers for landscape and biodiversity, at a smaller scale if so desired. Moreover, demographics are considered. There are many older farmers, while pursuing a career as a farmer or crop grower is difficult for the younger generation. Hence, we should consider financial incentives for young farmers if they contribute to the diversity and resilience of our food sector. Food autonomy is not just about producing food but also about energy and social aspects. A systems approach is needed.'

What, in your view, is a systems approach?

'Firstly, there are many food systems, chains with their own inputs, products, risks and consumers. There is no one solution; there is diversity in food systems. Policymakers are prone to becoming specific and aligning themselves with a particular subsector, but we should begin with a broad perspective. WUR's role is to provide a broad view of our food systems and pinpoint the dilemmas that require political decisions. WUR detailed these dilemmas for Dutch agriculture, and subsequently for the European agricultural policy.'

'Specific knowledge of subsectors is also needed. For example, research on climate-neutral crop growing, ways to design a more diverse logistics in the food sector, how to price nature-inclusive agriculture and adjust legislation. In this respect, we must continue to consider whether that research is part of the bigger picture of where we are heading with our European food systems.'

Why is food autonomy a topic at F&A Next, which focuses mainly on technology, innovation and startups?

'Researchers and innovative businesses play an important role in knowledge development and realising sustainable and innovative solutions that make a real difference. Developing innovative thought processes and educating young talent are also essential to enable the next generation to face challenges from a fresh perspective and with new ideas to create a better world. That is why F&A Next brings startups, investors, industry and science together to exchange ideas, foster relationships, and build innovative solutions together. Because, yes, food systems are complex. But innovation often starts small: with courage, vision and collaboration.'