ETC ST Report 2024/6: Exploring multiple pathways and policy mixes for transforming European food systems

This report presents an in-depth exploration of transformative pathways and policy mixes aimed at transitioning European food systems towards sustainability. Using four distinct imaginaries of future food systems—"Technocracy for the Common Good," "Unity in Adversity," "The Great Decoupling," and "Ecotopia"—the study envisions diverse strategies ranging from high-tech, efficiency-driven approaches to community-led, nature-centric models. Each imaginary offers unique perspectives on addressing systemic challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security. A novel methodological framework underpins this analysis, combining foresight tools like the Futures Wheel and Morphological Analysis with transition research (X-Curve). This integrative approach bridges exploratory foresight with policy design, enabling the synthesis of imaginative yet actionable policy pathways. The X-Curve captures the temporal dynamics of transitioning systems, while the Morphological Analysis ensures coherence across policy options. Thus, tailored interventions are developed for different phases of sustainability transitions: emergence, acceleration, stabilisation, and phase-out. Recommendations emphasise the need to reorient EU policies, such as the Common Agricultural Policy, towards just transitions, circular practices, and resilience in food systems. By incorporating stakeholder perspectives with a systemic approach, this research offers an alternative perspective for policymakers to navigate complex trade-offs and expedite the shift to inclusive, sustainable food systems that tackle Europe’s environmental and socio-economic challenges.

12 Feb 2025

Ullrich Lorenz, Minna Kaljonen, Ricardo da Silva Vieira