Farm sustainability data in support of Farm-to-Table strategy

As part of its Farm-to-Table strategy, the European Commission has tabled a proposal to transform the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) into the Farm Sustainability Data Network (FSDN). The transformation is expected to provide greater knowledge of the sustainability aspects of European Union agriculture at the farm level and to help shape policy in connection with the green transition.

The European Commission is currently conducting a public consultation on a piece of legislation (implementing legislation) dedicated to a farm sustainability data network – the collection of farm sustainability data.

Until September 11, 2024. comments, observations and proposals on the draft regulations can be submitted. The feedback received will be posted on the Commission’s website and taken into account in the development of the final form of this initiative, which is expected to be adopted in the second quarter of 2024.

Field to table strategy

The Farm-to-Fork strategy is part of the European Green Deal, which aims for the EU to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. It defines a policy framework and initiatives to contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly food system in the European Union.

The strategy includes both regulatory and non-regulatory initiatives, with the Common Agricultural Policy and the one on fisheries being the main tools for its financial support. One of the legislative initiatives is the draft regulation currently being consulted on rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1217/2009 establishing the farm sustainability data network and repealing Commission Implementing Regulation 2015/220.

FADN and FSDN

FADN (Farm Accountancy Data Network) is a database of microeconomic and accounting data collected each year based on a common methodology on a sample of more than 80,000. farms in the European Union (EU). Participation in the program is voluntary, and the sample is selected to be statistically representative of farms in the EU considered commercial based on their economic size.

FADN, established in 1965. to assess the economic and financial situation of farms, is constantly being updated to meet the information needs for developing and evaluating the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

The FSDN (Farm Sustainability Data Network) aims to collect and analyze sustainability data at the farm level, covering economic, environmental and social dimensions. FSDN data can be used to assess additional aspects related to the level of sustainability of European Union agriculture and to address the challenges facing EU agriculture.

New regulations

Regulation (EU) 2023/2674 of the European Parliament and of the Council amended Regulation (EC) No. 1217/2009 – the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) was transformed into the Sustainable Farm Development Data Network (FSDN). In order to ensure the proper functioning of the new legal framework resulting from the aforementioned amendment, some provisions require adoption through implementing acts.

The new regulations currently under consultation (if introduced) will replace existing legal requirements under the European Commission’s Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/220, which will expire on January 1, 2025. However, Regulation 2015/220 will continue to apply for fiscal years prior to 2025.

According to the draft regulation, the definitions of the variables set forth in Annex VIII to the consulted regulation, the financial rules and the provisions on data provision will be reviewed by the European Commission by September 30, 2026.

Notwithstanding the above, according to the Prime Minister’s Office, a draft law on the EU Farm Sustainability Data Network (FSDN) – UC64 – is under way in Poland. It is aimed at implementing into Polish law the provisions in force in the European Union and concerning the collection of farm accounting data, in particular Council Regulation (EC) No. 1217/2009 of November 30, 2009. establishing a data network on the level of sustainability of farms, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2023/2674 of the European Parliament and of the Council of November 22, 2023. The project is scheduled for adoption by the Council of Ministers in the third quarter of 2024.