The need for sustainable development is nowadays increasingly intense in all areas of economic activity and especially in the fields of agriculture, animal husbandry and food. Environmental protection is now a key priority of developed countries and citizens now demand healthy products that are produced through ecological production processes. Sustainable development and sustainable food production offer many important benefits both to the health of the consumer and to the preservation of the environment and the countryside. "Sustainable" are all natural productive processes that meet the needs of today without sacrificing the ability to meet the needs of future generations.
The adoption of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals is a milestone for a sustainable planet, for inclusive growth, and for the promotion of a circular economy. The transition to sustainable food systems is part of the "Farm to Fork" strategy for a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly Food System. Sustainable production is the key to the viability of both agricultural and livestock enterprises and the food industry. It is important to maintain a high level of productivity, the production of safe and healthy products, as well as the simultaneous conservation of natural resources.
The implementation of sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry can bring many benefits to the environment, the ecology, and the country's economy. It can help reduce energy consumption, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the use of polluting chemicals. It can also help maintain biodiversity and increase soil fertility. Cyprus food companies and the producers themselves are accepting these requirements and are trying to comply in this direction, supporting the primary sector in sustainable farming practices, improving their environmental footprint and adapting the nutritional composition of the final products accordingly.
Finally, public authorities are called upon to encourage collective action on the part of farmers, stockbreeders and industrialists, to coordinate the activities of all stakeholders, and ensure that the new regulatory framework for the food value chain will be as simple as it can be and will not incur disproportionate compliance costs.
Myrofora Ioannou
Business Consultant
