Roadmap to Climate-Neutral EU Agrifood Sector: Key Insights
Amsterdam, Tuesday, 15 July 2025.
The NewClimate Institute’s latest briefing highlights innovation in reducing food waste and increasing plant-based foods as pivotal steps toward achieving climate neutrality in the EU’s agrifood sector.
Innovation and Opportunities
The NewClimate Institute’s briefing outlines that innovation within the EU agrifood sector highlights significant opportunities to reduce food waste and increase the consumption of plant-based foods, which can drive substantial emissions reductions. This shift not only aids in climate action but also enhances public health and opens new revenue streams for farmers. The focus on plant-based proteins is gaining traction, potentially positioning the EU as a leader in sustainable agriculture [1].
Challenges and Policy Gaps
Despite the promising avenues for innovation, the report identifies several challenges that need addressing. Current economic and policy frameworks, including the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), predominantly support animal-based production, stifling diversification towards plant-based alternatives. Additionally, fragmented policies and regulatory constraints impede progress in effectively reducing food waste. Addressing these policy levers is paramount for facilitating the agrifood sector’s transition towards climate neutrality [1].
Strategic Pathways to Transition
The NewClimate Institute emphasizes the urgent need for strategic policies and investments that could transform the agrifood sector into a competitive asset in Europe’s journey towards a climate-neutral economy. By prioritizing technological solutions and policy reforms, the potential exists for considerable progress. The current trend indicating a decline in beef consumption across the EU is highlighted as a benchmark for the successful implementation of these strategies [1].
The Role of Innovation in Achieving Climate Goals
Innovation is identified as a cornerstone for the agrifood sector’s adaptation and competitive advantage globally. The briefing underlines the necessity to support food waste valorisation and plant-based protein industries through targeted research and market development. As the EU frames its post-2030 climate package, aligning these innovations with broader economic and environmental strategies will be critical for the sector’s resilience and sustainability [1].