From farm to fork: the European strategy for a sustainable food system
From farm to fork is the European Union’s strategy to transform the food system. Its implementation directly affects the agricultural sector, which must adapt to new requirements such as the reduction of plant protection products, safer and more traceable production, and a food chain with a lower environmental impact. The transition involves not only changing products, but rethinking the entire European production model.
What is From farm to fork? A new framework for food production
The expression From farm to fork, defines a strategic approach by the European Union to build a fairer, healthier and more sustainable food system. It affects all the actors involved in the food chain, from farmers and distributors to processors, retailers and consumers.
Presented in May 2020 as part of the European Green Deal, this strategy establishes a new common model for the 27 EU member states. Its objective is to transform the European agri-food system before 2030, integrating environmental, climate and public health aspects, without losing sight of the sector’s productivity and competitiveness.
Its major goals include:
Reducing the environmental footprint of the European food system.
Promoting healthier and more sustainable diets.
Ensuring access to safe, nutritious and affordable food.
Promoting production and distribution models with lower resource use.
Strengthening the system’s resilience to crises such as climate change or market volatility.
From farm to fork is implemented through new regulations, subsidies conditional on sustainable practices, and a roadmap with measurable objectives already underway. Its scope is not limited to agriculture: it also redefines the food industry, distribution and consumption.
Key objectives of the From farm to fork strategy
Reduction of plant protection products in agriculture
One of the fundamental pillars of this strategy is to reduce the use of chemical plant protection products by 50% by 2030. The aim is to protect biodiversity, improve soil health and reduce the presence of residues in food.
At Altinco, this transition is already a reality. With the Plant Guards range, we develop solutions such as Altinco Grinward®, a contact insecticide authorised for organic farming, which proves that it is possible to protect crops without leaving residues and without compromising field effectiveness.
Sustainable food system
Building a sustainable food system means committing to a full transformation of production, transport, processing and consumption.
Efficient use of resources, reduction of food waste and full traceability are promoted.
With formulations designed using the Altinco Exact Nature® formula, our solutions guarantee effectiveness, environmental respect and traceability in line with the new European model.
Strengthening European food production through
From farm to fork also drives a more autonomous and resilient agriculture, less dependent on external inputs. In this context, Altinco provides agronomic solutions that promote crop diversification, respect for beneficial fauna and residue-free production — all key to ensuring European food security.
From farm to fork and its impact on the agricultural sector
Implementing From farm to fork requires a deep transformation of the agricultural sector. It’s not only about adapting treatments or products, but rethinking the European agronomic model and aligning productivity with sustainability.
This transition is also creating new demands within the sector: residue-free formulations, treatments that respect beneficial fauna and solutions compatible with integrated pest management strategies. In this context, more and more distributors and producers are looking for natural alternatives that not only comply with European regulations but also maintain field effectiveness.
Altinco solutions for a more demanding agricultural model
For those who work in the field, this strategy brings challenges such as reducing traditional inputs, demonstrating the traceability of their practices or introducing innovative, residue-free solutions. It also affects access to European subsidies and certifications, increasingly tied to sustainability indicators.
For distributors, this evolution opens a new path of specialisation: offering products aligned with regulation is not only a legal requirement, but also a way to stand out.
“Altinco offers effective and sustainable solutions that allow fruit and vegetable growers to keep producing with confidence. Our experience, together with distributors in more than 21 countries, proves that it is possible to progress efficiently towards the objectives of From farm to fork” — Maite Prats, R&D Coordinator.
Our Plant Guards range protects crops from external threats, while Plant Boosters strengthens them from within. Both ranges are designed to meet the requirements of From farm to fork without compromising productivity or profitability.
From farm to fork: an agricultural model full of opportunities
In a regulatory environment that is becoming increasingly strict, From farm to fork can be seen as regulatory pressure, but it is also a great opportunity to modernise the sector. Adapting to this strategy not only ensures compliance with regulations, but also enables leadership in a new way of producing food in Europe.
The European agricultural sector is at a turning point. Those who manage to adapt, innovate and apply practices aligned with this strategy will not only comply with regulations — they will be the protagonists of a new era in food production.
Committed to a food system ready for the future
At Altinco, we have been formulating natural and residue-free solutions for more than three decades, helping farmers and distributors adapt to these challenges without compromising productivity. This experience has taught us that anticipating is not a bonus — it is a necessity in an increasingly regulated and demanding sector.
The From farm to fork strategy confirms a shift that we have already been working on for some time: a more sustainable, traceable agriculture connected to people’s and the planet’s wellbeing.
As formulators of singular solutions, we continue advancing with the sector to design a food system ready for the future.
Because transforming the food system is not just a goal and, as part of Cerestia by Matholding, it is a real opportunity to design a more fertile, safer and more sustainable future for everyone. Altinco is part of Cerestia, an alliance of integrated, sustainable and innovative solutions that brings together different players in the sector to drive a more efficient agriculture aligned with today’s challenges. This collaboration strengthens our commitment to a more prepared, more sustainable and safer agricultural production for all.
