By Kate Adams, Senior European Policy Advisor, British Agriculture Bureau.
In July 2023, the Commission published a proposal to amend the Waste Framework Directive. The proposal aims to reduce food waste by introducing mandatory food waste reduction targets for Member States by 2030.
Food production is one of the most resource intensive sectors and is a significant source of waste. Despite the EU's significant efforts to thwart food waste over the past years, 58.5 million tonnes (Mt) of food waste was generated in the EU in 2020. This resulted in emissions of 252 Mt of CO2e. Additionally, food waste incurs significant financial burden, where food wasted in 2020 in the EU had a market value of €132 billion.
What was proposed by the Commission?
The proposals, published on 5 July, would amend the current Waste Framework Directive (WFD) which has been in place since 2008. This is the legislation that lays down basic waste management principles in the Union. The proposal would see mandatory food waste reduction targets implemented across the EU to reduce the environmental and climate impacts of food systems associated with food waste generation, and contribute to food security.
The following reduction targets were proposed by the Commission:
- Target for primary production – no target
- Target for processing and manufacturing – 10% reduction by 2030
- Target for retail and consumption stages – 30% reduction by 2030
These targets would be set at a Member State level and follow a step-wise approach. Member States would have full flexibility to determine the set of measures required to deliver these targets, and could therefore choose the most effective policy instruments. This could include actions such as behaviour change interventions, addressing inefficiencies in the food supply chain or encouraging redistribution. Member States would be required to monitor and assess implementation of measures.
The year 2020 should be used as a baseline for setting food waste reduction targets unless Member States can provide data for earlier years. Targets could be adjusted before 2030 to be less or more ambitious, depending on Member State progress.
The Parliament’s position
In March 2024, the Parliament adopted its position on the Directive with 514 votes in favour, 20 against and 91 abstentions. The following targets were agreed:
- 20% reduction in food waste from processing and manufacturing by 2030 (increased from 10% in Commission’s original proposal)
- 40% reduction in food waste per capita in retail, restaurants, food services and households by 2030 (increased from 30% in Commission’s original proposal)
The primary production sector is exempt from the targets. However, the Parliament agreed that the Commission should conduct an evaluation by December 2027 to decide whether primary production should be included in the reduction targets. They should also consider whether the target for processing and manufacturing should be increased to 30%, and the target for retail, restaurants, food services and households to 50%.
The Council’s General Approach
The Council reached a compromise agreement in June 2024. The agreement maintains the food waste reduction targets for 2030 as set by the Commission:
- exclusion of primary production
- 10% reduction in processing and manufacturing
- 30% reduction in retail, distribution, food services, and households
Member States would be permitted to use the reference years 2021, 2022 and 2023 for setting targets. The Commission would still be required to present its report on food waste and losses in the primary production sector by December 2027, which may be accompanied by a legislative proposal.
Next steps
Trialogue negotiations are now set to begin after summer.
Impact on the agriculture sector
No target has been proposed for the primary production sector, which has been welcomed by industry representatives including Copa Cogeca. However, the Commission, Parliament and the Council agree that a review is required by 2027. Therefore, food waste reduction targets for the primary production could be introduced in the future.
Northern Ireland
The Waste Framework Directive does not apply in Northern Ireland.