About this platform

In 2024, the European Commission published a so-called ‘transition pathway’ for the agri-food sector. This sector is also known as an ‘industrial ecosystem’. The agri-food industrial ecosystem includes everyone who is part of the food supply chain, such as farmers and the food and drink industry. Its transition pathway focuses on accelerating the green and digital transition, while making the sector more resilient.

This online platform is meant to help all agri-food stakeholders find useful information, tools and opportunities to put the pathway into action. The platform specifically aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

This platform is also linked to an industry Code of Conduct, which was launched in 2021. Its full name is ‘the EU Code of Conduct on Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices’. Signatories of the Code can use special features on the platform. For example, several workspaces on the platform are only accessible to signatories.

Transition pathways are meant to guide industrial ecosystems towards more sustainability, digitalisation and resilience. They were announced in the EU’s industrial strategy from 2019.

All transition pathways, 10 in total, have been developed in collaboration with stakeholders, such as industry associations, NGOs and public authorities. 

The agri-food transition pathway includes 46 actions to support the green and digital transition of the agri-food sector, while improving its resilience. The pathway addresses issues such as competitiveness, investments, research and innovation, skills and international trade.

The agri-food Code of Conduct aims to accelerate the shift towards sustainable food systems. It includes seven aspirational objectives, such as promoting healthy diets and improving the sustainability of food processing.

Companies and associations can commit to the Code by setting out specific actions in a ‘pledge’. Every year, they are asked to share an update on the progress made (except SMEs, who are allowed to do so every 2-3 years).

Any organisation can commit to the Code by submitting a pledge on the platform. The platform is meant to help signatories put the Code into practice. They can collaborate in workspaces, for example, or receive recognition for their efforts through awards. Only signatories of the Code are eligible to apply for the awards. 

The European Commission maintains this website to facilitate existing information about stakeholder initiatives and European Union policies in general. Our goal is to keep this information timely and accurate. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. However, the Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to the information on this site.

Please see also the EU legal policy.