Become part of the FOODCoST Project’s Community of Practice!

FOODCoST’s CoP offers an expert platform to discuss the results, co-create the project outcomes and debate on the feasibility, implications, and next steps for developing and implementing a harmonised EU approach for assessing and internalising externalities of food. CoP comprises 30 selected members from the categories of farmers and fishermen, food business operators and financial institutions; education and research; civil society (NGOs and consumer organisations); policymakers and media. 

The initial kick-off meeting of CoP was held in May 2023 in Bratislava, to discuss use cases, valuation of externalities, pathways to internalise externalities and identify any potential barriers. Meeting provided first feedback and interesting recommendations for the future activities of FOODCoST in various topics such as the potential application of the True Cost Accounting (e.g. carbon tax or climate and natural resource & ecosystem management) and possible outcomes of the projects desired by CoP members such as improvement of position of farmers or creation of a base for the reporting requirements.  

Second online CoP meeting focused on the discussion of the concept of the True Cost Accounting, prioritisation of externalities, proposed policy instruments and two of the FOODCoST case studies :

• Internalization of the sustainability contribution of locally grown high (digestible) protein non-GM soybeans for feed use through a pricing model with a certification scheme and labelling value; and

• Financial tools as instrument to shift investments towards sustainable production.

CoP will meet 2 more times during the project’s lifetime with the next meeting under preparation scheduled for the Spring 2025.

Apply now to join the FOODCoST Community of Practice and become an active voice in Europe’s sustainable food transformation!