AUTHOR=Acs Szvetlana , Costa Leite João , Sanyé-Mengual Esther , Caivano Arnaldo , Catarino Rui , Druon Jean-Noël , Di Marcantonio Federica , De Jong Beyhan , Guerrero Irene , Gurría Patricia , M’barek Robert , Panagos Panos , Puerta-Piñero Carolina , Tamosiunas Saulius , Wollgast Jan , Tóth Katalin 

TITLE=Towards sustainable food systems: developing a monitoring framework for the EU

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems

VOLUME=Volume 8 - 2024

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainable-food-systems/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2024.1502081

DOI=10.3389/fsufs.2024.1502081

ISSN=2571-581X

ABSTRACT=Adequate monitoring of the EU transition toward sustainable food systems can promote policy coherence and provide better evidence for informed policy making. This paper presents an initial concept and methodology for an EU food system monitoring framework, integrating a systems’ perspective and key sustainability elements relevant to the EU context. Grounded in scientific evidence and extensive dialogues among scientific experts with interdisciplinary backgrounds, we define an EU food system sustainability model that provides a conceptual framework for monitoring. This model encompasses 12 thematic areas and 37 indicator domains, synthetized through a rigorous review of existing frameworks and the assessment of nearly 250 relevant indicators via a transparent workflow and an integrated collaborative digital tool. We identify data gaps that signal challenges ahead in effective monitoring, but also opportunities for research and cooperation. To advance with an EU food system monitoring framework, it is essential to engage in participatory processes with stakeholders, ensuring an inclusive and transparent approach.