Brussels, 14 June 2019 – The FEDIOL annual conference on “EU oilseeds processing: reconciling public and private objectives on food safety and sustainability” held today confirmed sustainability as one the key priorities for the vegetable oil and protein meal industry.

Few weeks ahead of the expected release of the Commission Communication on boosting fight against deforestation and forest degradation, and in the week featuring several events by involved players in the value chain of forest-risk commodities, the President of FEDIOL John Grossmann recalled the need to continue the constructive dialogue and engagement with producer countries.

For FEDIOL tackling deforestation requires cooperation between governments in countries of origin and in destination markets to help improve forest protection laws, enforcement and accompanying measures. With the involvement and active support of official authorities, initiatives by private actors can benefit from a multiplier effect, gain better visibility and momentum, and help deliver comprehensive and lasting results.

“We have to do our share in fighting deforestation, both in palm and soybean supply chains” – said John Grossmann. “We have gained considerable experience over the years in monitoring, tracing, developing sustainability standards and engaging with producers. We are committed to live up to our respective targets and we need all chain actors to understand that transforming supply chains is a shared responsibility. It can be actively supported by making choices that matter and by increasing the use of sustainable product”.

Based on the experience of oilseed crushers and refining companies, FEDIOL is eager to engage constructively in the upcoming policy debate on sustainable sourcing which will be addressed during the new institutional cycle.

FEDIOL conference also tackled the issue of food and feed safety, which remain the top priority for the vegetable oil and protein meal industry. In this sense, the value of the European food safety system in achieving high level of consumer protection and the industry’s responsibility in enhancing product safety for human and animal consumption were recognised, whilst acknowledging the many challenges ahead for both industry and authorities.

For further information, please contact Nathalie Lecocq, FEDIOL Director General, at Tel: +32 2 771 53 30

FEDIOL, the EU vegetable oil and proteinmeal industry association, represents the interests of the European oilseed crushers, vegetable oil refiners and bottlers. FEDIOL members are 12 national associations and associated company members in 5 other EU countries. With about 180 facilities in Europe, the sector provides 20000 direct employments. Its members process approximately 55 million tonnes of basic products a year, both of EU origin and imported from third country markets. The sector processes notably rapeseed, sunflowerseed, soybeans and linseed into oils and meals for food, feed, technical and energy uses essentially on the European market.