On Thursday, the Luxembourg government initiated a consultative debate in the Chamber of Deputies to gather ideas for developing an initial action plan aimed at creating a sustainable food system.
Minister of Agriculture Martine Hansen emphasised the importance of involving the Chamber of Deputies as the highest authority in shaping this initiative. Alongside parliamentary input, approximately 60 stakeholders from the food sector were consulted, including professional associations, producers, the Confederation of Catering Professions, the Luxembourg Consumer Protection Association (ULC), educational institutions, and the Ecological Movement. Additionally, a number of ministries; namely, Agriculture, Health, Education, and Environment, will also collaborate to ensure a comprehensive approach.
The action plan will focus on six key areas, identified through an Ilres survey of consumers and producers to determine their priorities:
“We are committed to promoting safe and healthy food while supporting regional, sustainable, and resilient agriculture”, Hansen stated, summarising the government’s objectives.
During the debate, MPs raised a wide range of issues related to the sustainable food system. However, some expressed frustration over the lack of concrete proposals, which they argue would have allowed for clearer positions to be taken. Minister Hansen reiterated that the purpose of the debate was to gather ideas rather than present finalised plans.
MP Luc Emering of the Democratic Party (DP) emphasised the need for “clearly legible, comprehensible, and transparent labeling on packaging.” He also called for stronger connections between producers and consumers at the regional market level and stressed the importance of making the farming profession more attractive – a point echoed by several other MPs during the discussion.
MP Claire Delcourt of the Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party (LSAP) advocates for a fundamental reform of the food system, aligning with the European Union’s Farm to Fork strategy, and highlighted the importance of biodiversity preservation and climate protection as key priorities.
The Green Party (Déi Gréng) echoed these themes, with MP Joëlle Welfring emphasising that environmental respect must play a central role in Luxembourg’s future food strategy. “Eating habits have a major influence not only on health but also on the health of the air, soil, and water”, she stated.
The Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR) proposed the introduction of a nutri-vigilance system, similar to those in neighbouring countries. MP Alexandra Schooss explained that such a system would monitor and regulate the consumption of food supplements, novel foods, fortified foods, energy drinks, and related products.
MP David Wagner of the Left Party (Déi Lénk) argues that several clear demands emerged from Thursday’s debate, including an end to free trade agreements that harm social and environmental interests, democratic planning of food policy involving all stakeholders, and the provision of free meals for all primary and secondary school students.
