AM171 stopped: A positive outcome for sustainable food systems in Europe
The European Alliance for Plant-based Foods (EAPF) applauds the rejection of Amendment 171 in the context of the trialogue negotiations between the Parliament, the Commission and the Council on the revision of the Common Market Organisation in Agricultural Products Regulation (CMO Regulation).
This decision acknowledges the need to avoid additional restrictions on references to dairy terms for plant-based products, since dairy designations are already protected: names such as ‘soy milk’ or ‘vegetarian cheese’ are not allowed in the EU. By rejecting Amendment 171, the EU makes a good first step towards enabling the transition towards more plant-based diets – as explicitly stated in the Farm to Fork Strategy. This is key to reach the EU sustainability goals, to empower consumers to make more sustainable and conscious food choices, and to support a growing sector which would benefit the whole EU agri-food supply chain.
That achievement is the result of coordinated efforts on the part of EAPF and many partners across the whole plant-based food value chain – from farmers to consumers. EAPF is proud to have led and coordinated joint actions to raise awareness towards EU institutions on the far reaching, unmeasured impacts of amendment 171, such as the multi-stakeholder letter featuring almost 100 organisations.
The Alliance’s Secretary General, Siska Pottie, states: “We are glad that EU policymakers recognised the serious consequences of Amendment 171. This is a decision of common sense, given the already restrictive rules applied to plant-based alternatives to dairy, and the wide scientific consensus on the health and environmental benefits of a transition towards more plant-based diets, which should be facilitated, not hindered. The Alliance will continue to advocate for a level playing field for plant-based foods, in order to tap into their potential for the development of sustainable food systems in the EU, good for the people and the planet.”
Read the full statement here.