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Principles for guiding and unlocking transformation of the European Union agrifood system

Author

Listed:
  • Jørgen E. Olesen

    (Aarhus University [Aarhus])

  • Bart de Steenhuijsen Piters

    (WUR - Wageningen University and Research [Wageningen])

  • Sophie Nicklaus

    (CODIR - Collège de Direction - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement)

  • Jessica Aschemann-Witzel

    (Aarhus University [Aarhus])

  • Martha Bakker

    (WUR - Wageningen University and Research [Wageningen])

  • Céline Bonnet

    (TSE-R - Toulouse School of Economics - UT Capitole - Université Toulouse Capitole - Comue de Toulouse - Communauté d'universités et établissements de Toulouse - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement, INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement)

  • Hilke Bos-Brouwers

    (WUR - Wageningen University and Research [Wageningen])

  • Lionel Brétillon

    (UBE - Université Bourgogne Europe)

  • Henrik Brinch-Pedersen

    (Aarhus University [Aarhus])

  • Jeroen J. L. Candel

    (WUR - Wageningen University and Research [Wageningen])

  • Tommy Dalgaard

    (Aarhus University [Aarhus])

  • Cécile Détang-Dessendre

    (CESAER - Centre d'économie et de sociologie rurales appliquées à l'agriculture et aux espaces ruraux - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - Institut Agro Dijon - Institut Agro - Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement)

  • Jørgen Eriksen

    (Aarhus University [Aarhus])

  • Edith J. M. Feskens

    (WUR - Wageningen University and Research [Wageningen])

  • Agustín González Gaviola

    (WUR - Wageningen University and Research [Wageningen])

  • Atze Jan van der Goot

    (WUR - Wageningen University and Research [Wageningen])

  • Niels Halberg

    (Aarhus University [Aarhus])

  • Emmanuelle Kesse-Guyot

    (INSERM - Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UPCité - Université Paris Cité, INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement)

  • Marie Trydeman Knudsen

    (Aarhus University [Aarhus])

  • Per Kudsk

    (Aarhus University [Aarhus])

  • Miranda P. M. Meuwissen

    (WUR - Wageningen University and Research [Wageningen])

  • Thomas Nesme

    (UMR ISPA - Interactions Sol Plante Atmosphère - Bordeaux Sciences Agro - Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Sciences Agronomiques de Bordeaux-Aquitaine - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement)

  • Stacy C. Pyett

    (WUR - Wageningen University and Research [Wageningen])

  • Catherine M. G. C. Renard

    (SQPOV - Sécurité et Qualité des Produits d'Origine Végétale - AU - Avignon Université - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement, TRANSFORM - Département Aliments, produits biosourcés et déchets - INRAE - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement)

  • Ruerd Ruben

    (WUR - Wageningen University and Research [Wageningen])

  • Rogier P. O. Schulte

    (WUR - Wageningen University and Research [Wageningen])

  • Antonius G. T. Schut

    (WUR - Wageningen University and Research [Wageningen])

  • Louis-Georges Soler

    (Université Paris-Saclay)

  • Bo Jellesmark Thorsen

    (University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.)

  • Stéphane Turolla

    (SMART - Structures et Marché Agricoles, Ressources et Territoires - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - Institut Agro Rennes Angers - Institut Agro - Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement)

  • Hugo de Vries

    (UMR IATE - Ingénierie des Agro-polymères et Technologies Émergentes - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - Institut Agro Montpellier - Institut Agro - Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement - UM - Université de Montpellier)

  • Sigrid C. O. Wertheim-Heck

    (WUR - Wageningen University and Research [Wageningen])

  • Jette F. Young

    (Aarhus University [Aarhus])

Abstract

European agrifood systems face many challenges and dilemmas regarding sustainability, resilience and competitiveness. Through consultations with scientific experts, we identified five systemic lock-ins (governance and policy fragmentation; behavioural and dietary challenges; political economy and market dynamics; unaccountability and environmental degradation; disruption and unpredictability as the new norm) hindering agrifood systems transformation. Based on concrete examples, we propose five guiding principles that, in various combinations, can help address lock-ins and guide effective changes towards more healthy and sustainable food systems. Their successful implementation requires strong, experience-inspired, science-based political and business leadership supported by a revised research and innovation agenda.

Suggested Citation

  • Jørgen E. Olesen & Bart de Steenhuijsen Piters & Sophie Nicklaus & Jessica Aschemann-Witzel & Martha Bakker & Céline Bonnet & Hilke Bos-Brouwers & Lionel Brétillon & Henrik Brinch-Pedersen & Jeroen J., 2026. "Principles for guiding and unlocking transformation of the European Union agrifood system," Post-Print hal-05648572, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05648572
    DOI: 10.1038/s43016-026-01360-x
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