food security

EPHA co-signs letter in support of WHO Europe Food and Nutrition Action Plan 2014-2020

On June EPHA, together with other 18 public health organisations, sent a letter to the director of the WHO Regional Office for Europe Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab in support of the WHO Europe Food and Nutrition Action Plan 2014-2020 currently under preparation. The organisations welcome a strategic approach towards comprehensive food and nutrition policies, whilst outlining the principles considered fundamental for the Plan. On behalf of the public health community, the signatories to this letter (...)

Clock is ticking in the run up to historic CAP reform deal

By 26 June, the Irish Presidency of the Council of European Union intends to strike a deal on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform for the years 2014-2020. After 20 months of tough negotiation, how likely is the CAP and crops its supposed to produce to contribute to public health objectives of improved health outcomes and reduced health inequalities? In 2010, the European Commission announced its vision for "the CAP towards 2020" with the inclusion of public health and healthy (...)

[EPT] CAP reform – new regulations - Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) revision for 2014-2020

Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) revision for 2014-2020 The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is due to be reformed by 2013. After a wide-ranging public debate the Commission presented on 18 November 2010 a Communication on "The CAP towards 2020", which outlines options for the future CAP and launched the debate with the other institutions and with stakeholders. On 12 October 2011 the Commission presented a set of legal proposals designed to make the CAP a more effective policy for a more (...)

Nanomaterials in plastic packaging - are they safe for consumers?

During a roundtable discussion hosted by Holger Krahmer MEP (ALDE, DE) and organised by The Parliament Magazine and Plastics Europe, a study was presented on whether nanomaterials present in food packaging could potentially migrate into the food and presents risks to consumers. Presentations Photos What is nanotechnology? Nanomaterials as defined in a 2011 Commission Recommendation are materials which often have specific properties due to their small particle size. It offers a (...)

[EPT] Fund for European Aid - European Fund - Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (updated on 18 March)

Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived The European Commission (DG Employment) has proposed to set up a European Aid Fund to help the most deprived persons in the EU. A successor to the Food Aid to the Most Deprived, this new Fund would support member state schemes not only by providing food aid to the most deprived people, but also clothing and other essential goods to homeless people and materially-deprived children (such as shoes, soap and shampoo). The proposal is yet to be (...)

Decision day - Farms instead of Factories

Will our tax money continue to flow into the pockets of agribusiness and monocultures? Or will Europe’s farm subsidies finally be used to fund a sustainable and globally responsible agriculture? On 12 March 2013 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will hold a final debate on how they will vote on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) the very next day. On the very same day, civil society representatives will be in Strasbourg to call for the start of a new agricultural policy fit (...)

[Open Letter] 250 Organisations Alarmed by the Prospect of Regressive Common Agricultural Policy reform

A healthy common agricultural policy (CAP) is very relevant in the context of tackling chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). That is why the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) and the European Public Health & Agriculture Consortium (EPHAC) - along with more than 250 NGOs - have signed up to an open letter from civil society calling for a public health & environmental friendly CAP reform. This should be a wake-up call for all members of the European Parliament. Why is the (...)

‘Innovation in Veterinary Medicines and the Competitiveness of Livestock Farming in the EU’

The event organised by Zoetis (a global animal health company) examined the challenges faced by the animal livestock industry. EPHA attended the meeting to collect and present the key messages of the workshop for EPHA Members. the final Zoetis Workshop Summary report Sandra Beaty from Zoetis stressed that EU legislation should be based on evidences and science. In his presentation Prof. David Leaver, Emeritus Professor The Royal Agricultural College UK, pointed out that if (...)

EU’s Common Agricultural Policy - between Continuity and Reform

EPHA received an invitation to the policy debate facilitated by the Hans Seidel Stiftung held on 25 February 2013 18:30-21:00 at the representation of the Free State of Bavaria. The following article contains the arguments/key messages addressed by the speakers. Introduction Europe is entering a decisive period. Tight budgets, the pressure of globalisation and growing mistrust towards Brussels requires an efficient use of resources and a concentration on priorities. Together with (...)

[Evaluation] Council discussed reform of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) & mislabelled beef products

Between 25-26 February, EU Agriculture Ministers held a public debate in Brussels over the direct payments regulation and the horizontal regulation, within the framework of the common agricultural policy (CAP) reform. The debate included discussion on the basic payment scheme and whether it was transparent who the beneficiaries of CAP payments are. Ministers were also briefed on the mislabelling of beef products. Reform of the common agricultural policy (CAP) Ministers held two policy (...)