In the agri-food sector, we all have in mind the European “Farm to Fork” strategy, which outlines its action plan in a series of actions such as the Code of Conduct for Responsible Business and Marketing Practices in Food.
Strengthening sustainable agri-food production is high on the agenda of businesses, politicians and consumers. In this context, the European Union, with its Code of Conduct, establishes a set of seven aspirational objectives as voluntary commitments to action, together with a monitoring and evaluation framework to measure progress.

Common goals

The Code aims to shape a collective path for the transition towards a sustainable food system. It has seven aspirational objectives, focusing on different aspects of sustainability, covering economic, social and environmental sustainability. You can find the seven objectives below. The seven aspirational objectives of the Code of Conduct are: 1. Healthy, balanced and sustainable diets for all European consumers. 2. Prevention and reduction of food loss and waste. 3. A climate-neutral food chain in Europe by 2050. 4. A circular and resource-optimised food chain in Europe. 5. Sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all. 6. Sustainable value creation in the European food supply chain through partnership. 7. Sustainable sourcing in food supply chains. In addition, it seeks to improve the sustainability of the entire food value chain, from farmers, processing centres, purchasing centres, retailers to consumers. As well as input and service providers. This is why ZERYA adheres to the Code, in order to continue offering a guarantee of quality in the products we consume every day. Some examples of companies that have signed the Code of Conduct include well-known names in the food industry, retailers and various associations representing the entire food value chain. These companies have committed to following the principles of the Code.

Extract from the signatories of the Code:

The Code was officially launched on 5 July 2021, with 65 initial signatories including ZERYA, who have committed to help accelerate the necessary transformation towards more sustainable food systems. These commitments can take the form of a declaration of commitment and the implementation of actions aligned with the CoC. Discover the full list of signatories: Code of Conduct – European Commission (europa.eu)

CSR and agri-food commitment

The implementation of the Code of Conduct represents an opportunity for companies to reaffirm their leadership in sustainability and corporate social responsibility. For us, who are on the farms every day working towards sustainable and certified production free of pesticide residues, this Code of Conduct offers us a platform to highlight our commitment to responsible and sustainable food practices in the European countries where our voluntary standard has been implemented. The Code is not only a set of guidelines, but also a call to action for food companies across Europe to join in the collective effort to transform our food systems. The EU Code of Conduct is a vital document that sets out a realistic roadmap towards sustainable agri-food systems. It offers two levels of commitments: for EU associations and for companies wishing to set commitments and KPIs.

Benefits of signing the Code of Conduct

Why should I join the Code?

• Be part of the transition towards food sustainability
• Get visibility and recognition
• Expand your network and build alliances for collaboration
• Learn from others and share your own experience
• Participate in the prioritization of topics for common work
• Stay up to date with new opportunities (e.g. for financing or investments)

Since 2020, aligned for Responsible Food

Anyone working in the agri-food sector can become a signatory to the Code by committing to one or more of these objectives and submitting a ‘pledge’. The full text of the Code can be downloaded here: Code of Conduct. Join ZERYA Producciones sin Residuos and the more than 140 signatories: cc AIBI (International Association of Plant Bakeries) AIPCE-CEP (European Association of Fish Processors – European Federation of National Organizations of Importers and Exporters of Fish) SAB-Almendrave (Association of Almond and Hazelnut Exporters of Spain) AMFEP (Association of Manufacturers and Formulators of Enzyme Products) Assomela (Italian) Association of Apple Producers) CEJA Young Farmers (the European Council of Young Farmers) CELCAA (European Liaison Committee for Agricultural and Agri-Food Trade) COCERAL (European association of trade in cereals, oilseeds, pulses, olive oil, oils and fats, animal feed and agrosupply) COPA COGECA (European farmers and European agri-cooperatives) Croplife Europe EAPO (European Association of Fish Producers Organizations) European Flavor Association (EFFA) EFFOP (European Fishmeal and Fish Oil Producers) EFFPA European Former Foodstuff Processors Association) EHPM (European Federation of Associations of Health Product Manufacturers) EMF (European Flour Millers) ESSNA (European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance) FruitVegetablesEUROPE (EUCOFEL) Eucolait (European Association of Dairy Trade) EuroCommerce EuropaBio Euro Coop (European Community of Consumer Co-operative s) Europatat – the European Potato Trade Association (European Potato Trade Association) EU Specialty Food Ingredients FEDIOL (EU vegetable oil and protein meal industry association) FEFAC (European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation) FEFANA (EU Association of Specialty Feed Ingredients and their Mixtures) FERM (Federation of European Rice Millers) FoodDrinkEurope FoodServiceEurope Freshfel Europe (European Fresh Produce Association) Independent Retail Europe Primary Food Processors Serving Europe SME united UECBV (European Livestock and Meat Trading Union) WUWM (World Union of Wholesale Markets) Associations with concrete commitments AIJN European Fruit Juice Association (European Fruit Juice Association) ANCC (Associazione Nazionale Cooperative di Consumatori) ANFACO-CECOPESCA (National Association of Producers of Fisheries and Seafood Conserves) AöL (Organic Food Processors) ASSICA (Associazione Industriali delle Carni e dei Salumi) Brewers of Europe CAOBISCO (Association of Chocolate, Biscuits and Confectionery French) CEEV – Vins Committee COFALEC (Confederation of European Yeast Producers) European Plant-Based Foods Association (ENSA) ESA (European Snacks Association) FEDEPESCA (Federation of Provincial Associations of Retailers of Fish and Frozen Products) FEDIAF (The European Pet Food Industry) Food Supplements Europe HISPACOOP (Spanish Confederation of Consumer and User Cooperatives) IMACE (European Margarine Association ) IPIFF (International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed) MVO (The Netherlands Oils and Fats Industry) Natural Mineral Waters Europe Profel (European Association of Fruit and Vegetable Processors) Specialized Nutrition Europe Spirits Europe Starch Europe UNESDA (European Soft Drinks Industry) WFA (World Federation of Advertisers) Collaborative supporters EIT Food NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) Rabobank Companies AB Inbev Ahold Delhaize Belgium and Archer Daniels Midland Ar Foods Asahi Europe International Barilla Group BASF BalevskiKirov Ltd. Balkan Express Handels GmbH Bayer Carrefour Spain Cargill Central England Cooperative Centravo Group Coca-Cola Colruyt Group Coolanowle Organics Ltd. Coop Italia Coop Sweden Danish Crown Danone Dawn Meats Decathlon Diageo EROSKI CONSUMER – Consumidores bien informados Esselunga Eva und Adam Ferrero Friesland Campina Fyffes Givaudan Greenyard Grupo Apex Grupo IFA Herbalife Nutrition Hilton Food Group Hotel Restaurant Schwarzer Bock ICA Gruppen Idai Nature Innocent Drinks International Flavours and Fragrances (IFF) Jeronimo Martins Kellanova Kerry Group Mattoni 1873 MC McCain Metro AG Midcounties Co-operative Mondelēz International Nestlé Nomad Foods Oilean Mara Teoranta t/a Irish Seaspray ORKLA Panvita Group Paulig Group Pearse Lyons Distillery PepsiCo Pernod-Ricard Puratos Group REWE Group Royal DSM Saifresc Ecológico del día Smithfield Romania Sodexo Sottolestelle Suncomo Foods Bulgaria Suntory Beverage Food Europe Syngenta Tegut… gute Lebensmittel GmbH Co. KG Tesco Tetra Pak Transavia SA Unilever Vall Companys VE-comedus UG Verstegen Viterra Yara International ZERYA Producciones sin Residuos S.L.