ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT OF AGRO-FOOD BUSINESS

The signing of the formal agreement, held in July 2013, between members and institutions of the Spanish food chain and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment (MAGRAMA) enables the provision of a Voluntary Partnership Agreement through which the industry is committed to promoting environmental sustainability within its scope until 2018.

We are therefore close the middle of a pioneer in Spain and the European Union initiative, which involves all the agents and operators of the domestic sector: the Agrarian Association of Young Farmers (ASAJA), the Coordinator of Organizations of Farmers and Ranchers (COAG), the Union of Small Farmers (UPA), Cooperative Agro-alimentary, the Spanish Federation of Industries Food and Beverage (FIAB), the Spanish Association of Cash & Carry (AESECC), the Association of Spanish Supermarket Chains (ACES), the National Association of Large Distribution Companies (ANGED), the Spanish Association of Distributors, Supermarkets and Supermarkets (ASEDAS), the Spanish Federation of Hospitality (FEHR) and the Business Association of Food Chains Modern (FEHRCAREM).

The basic principles of work include a statement of intent that "environmental sustainability is fundamental not only for business development, but, more importantly, because of our relationship with the environment depends on us to have raw materials safe and high quality continuously and properly. Consequently, environmental care involves not only protect the limited natural resources of the planet, but also ensures our competitiveness and long-term prosperity. "

The development of this commitment to environmental sustainability requires organizations involved include in their annual plans the environmental dimension of their activity. Furthermore, it promotes among its members the efficient use of natural resources, especially of raw materials, water and energy, raising awareness through training, communication and dissemination of this subject between employers, workers and consumers.

One of the tools which are guides to disseminate conditions sustainable use of agricultural products among consumers, proposing studies and analysis of possible actions related to the food chain and environmental sustainability. To track this agreement has also created a Monitoring Committee which oversees its implementation.

Moreover and more ambitiously delving into this institutional commitment to sustainability, in 2015 made MAGRAMA Program for Comprehensive Sustainability of Agro Industry, by which aim to improve the economic, social and environmental conditions in the sector, encouraging efficiency and value creation through improved sustainability of the food industry in its three environmental, social and economic aspects.

Thus, the Ministry offers the food industry a set of business management tools for each of the participating companies to assess their overall sustainability of departure and can improve with the passage of time in a process of continuous improvement .

The newly created RedSostal Platform, serve as a bridge between companies and public entities to provide information and serve as a meeting point for all those people or companies related to the sector wishing to review or want to discuss environmental issues, social and economic sustainability in the food industry. AENOR participates also developing the certification scheme of the various subsectors of the production chain, along with sustainability indicators to be met by companies and Decalogue lay the foundation of the commitments undertaken Redsostal companies adhere.

The food industry is one of the most important assets of our country. In all its phases-production, processing, marketing and distribution-this sector accounts for 8.4% of national GDP.

Specifically, in 2014, the Spanish Food and Drink Industry was the first industrial sector of the Spanish economy, with some 28,372 companies, 355,321 employees-which represents more than a fifth of total industrial fabric (20, 6%) - and net sales in 2014 amounted to 91,450 million euros, which means an increase of almost 1.4% compared to 2013.

+info:

• Program for Integrated Sustainability of Food Industry (MAGRAMA, February 2015 version): http://www.magrama.gob.es/es/alimentacion/temas/industria-agroalimentaria/PSIIA_VERSION_3_20150205_tcm7-357676.pdf 
• Sustainability Guide for Food Industry (MAGRAMA): http://www.magrama.gob.es/es/alimentacion/temas/industria-agroalimentaria/sostenibilidad-de-la-industria-agroalimentaria/ 
• Agrifood Network for Sustainability: www.redsostal