Discover the exciting discutions in the 4th MML Fair food systems: internalizing environmental and social costs in the price of food

On 13 June 2024, the event “Fair food systems: internalizing environmental and social costs in the price of food” brought together over 50 participants from across Europe at the historic Palazzo Hercolani in Bologna, Italy.

The event focused on the True Cost Accounting approach, exploring how to embed environmental and social costs into food prices and effectively communicate these costs to consumers through labeling.

After a brief introduction of the project by the FOODCoST coordinator, five relevant experts representing diverse sectors joined a dynamic discussion facilitated by Professor Matteo Vittuari from the University of Bologna:

• Andrea Segrè (UNIBO) – Academia
• Nicholas Jacobs (IPES FOOD) – International Organization
• Luisa Crisigiovanni (ALTROCONSUMO) – Consumers
• Daniele Rossi (COPA COGECA – Confagricoltura) – Producers, Farmers
• Giorgio Alberani (FRUTTAGEL) – Industry

They discussed the impacts of TCA on food supply chains, the implications for consumers and producers, and the critical importance of raising awareness and effectively communicating the topic to the public. The dialogue set the stage for two parallel interactive workshops:

“Exploring Future Scenarios for Internalizing the True Cost of Food Systems”: Organized by the University of Bologna’s Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, this workshop aimed to map out future pathways for embedding true costs into food pricing through the co-development of three scenarios focusing on the combination of policy, business models and strategies to internalize externalities.

“Beyond Price Tags: Unveiling the True Cost Label’s Potential Benefits and Drawbacks”: Hosted by Aarhus Universitet and Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm, this workshop employed the World Café methodology to foster discussion. Participants from various stakeholder groups analyzed perceptions of true pricing, contributing to a forthcoming paper on stakeholder sentiment towards true prices.

The event not only facilitated rich discussions but also inspired collaboration and innovation, paving the way for new approaches for achieving fairer food systems through true pricing.

Thanks to the joint effort of APRE – The Italian Agency for the Promotion of European Research and the University of Bologna, the event was particularly fruitful for the participants as well as for the continuation of the project over the next two years.

DO YOU WANT TO BE INFORMED ABOUT THE NEXT MML WORKSHOPS WITHIN FOODCoST?

Don’t miss the opportunity to pre-register  at this link. You will be among the first people to be notified!