The Agri-Food Code serves as a common aspirational path towards sustainable food systems. As part of the EU Farm to Fork Strategy and a deliverable under the European Green Deal, it brings together food manufacturers, retailers, food service operators and other actors “between the farm and the fork.” Its purpose is to align businesses of all sizes around shared objectives that support environmental, social and economic sustainability in food systems.

The code sets out seven aspirational objectives, such as promoting healthy diets, improving the sustainability of food processing, reducing food loss and waste, and ensuring sustainable sourcing. For each objective, the code includes indicative actions that organisations may draw on when shaping their commitments.

Any organisation can join by submitting a pledge through the EU Agri-food Platform. Signatories outline their commitments and provide regular updates on progress—annually for most companies and every two to three years for SMEs. The online platform is designed to help put the code into practice, offering collaborative workspaces and visibility for pledges and reports. Signatories may also apply for awards recognising their efforts, with the first edition planned for late 2025 or early 2026.

The code’s development began in December 2020 and involved broad stakeholder engagement, including agri-food organisations, international bodies, NGOs and trade unions. It was formally launched on 5 July 2021, with 65 initial signatories. The code remains voluntary, complementing existing legal requirements while encouraging tangible action towards sustainable food systems.