The Farm to Fork strategy was set in motion in 2020 as part of the European Green Deal, and aims to make food systems more fair, healthy and environmentally friendly, creating opportunities for new technological discoveries and increasing public awareness and demand on food sustainability.

“As Cypriots we are very proud that the architect of this new strategy…is our compatriot Stella Kyriakides,” Kadis said.

He emphasised the need to adopt the strategy, adding that Cyprus is willing to follow its principles and prepared to work together with EU authorities to resolve some issues specific to the island, namely high use of antibiotics in farming, the use of pesticides, and protecting animal welfare.

“We have developed new policies on all three of these issues that can be reinforced through EU guidance and advice,” Kadis said, thanking Kyriakides for her support.

The commissioner said that Farm to Fork aims to ensure better and more accurate information for consumers and changing consumption patterns to curb food waste by 2023.

The strategy’s goals also include halving the use of pesticides, dangerous chemicals and antibiotics in livestock farming, agriculture and fish farming by 2030, and reviewing existing animal welfare legislation.

“We are working hard to achieve these goals and form a new legislative framework for sustainable food systems by 2023,” she said, adding that health is not just about viruses, but also about the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the environment we live in.

“The more antibiotics consumed by humans and animals, the greater the risk of developing untreatable, antimicrobial-resistant diseases, which can cause our next health crisis, a silent pandemic as we call it”.

Later in the day, Kyriakides will visit the Kokkinotrimithia dog shelter and RiverLand organic farm.

Source: Cyprus Mail