The PATHWAYS European Multi-Actor (MA) Platform is a central component of the project, consisting of international supply chain actors from pre- and post- farm gate industry, NGOs, consumer associations, research, and policymakers.
The MA Platform is facilitated through the project’s three core themes:
- Trade-offs and synergies in sustainability and circularity,
- One welfare,
- Enabling transition.
The MA Platform will allow the opportunity for influential actors to network and promote innovations across the supply and production chain and identify credible, relevant, and timely approaches for a sustainable transition of the livestock sector.
The PATHWAYS MA Platform will work on:
- Identifying visions for the sustainable development of the livestock sector in Europe 2050
- Contributing to focus groups to provide feedback on innovation assessments and identify acceptable scenarios for sustainable livestock systems
- Aiding in the selection of Living Labs for the testing of new ideas and innovations over the project through a ranking of project proposals
- Contributing to high-impact publications to inform policy and practice
- Supporting knowledge exchange and dissemination activities
Trade-offs and synergies
Facilitated by: Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL)
This theme pivots on the complex interaction of the environmental with the economic, social and governance domains and the multifaceted role of livestock in terms of ecosystem service provision and circularity [2][4]. It will review project outcomes and processes at all stages in order to identify trade-offs and synergies on the environment–human axes in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and existing policies that influence EU agricultural practices (e.g. trade policy, Bioeconomy strategy, European Protein Plan, COP 21 Paris Agreement, Biodiversity Strategy, Farm to Fork Strategy).
Enabling transition – Leverage points
Facilitated by: University of Reading
This theme will focus on innovation to effect change in livestock systems. Members will review project outcomes to identify key internal leverage points (e.g. key actors in supply chains) and external drivers for system change (e.g. regulations or campaigns) utilising the three realms of leverage on “Re-structure, re-connect, re-think” [1] Co-innovation approaches will identify research and policies needed to transform current systems, to deliver appropriate levels of nutritious, desirable and accessible food, high animal welfare and wider ecosystem service provision.
One welfare
Facilitated by: Swedish University of Agriculture Sciences (SLU)
The last learning theme will use welfare as an entry point based on the ‘one welfare’ concept that recognises the interconnections between animal welfare, human wellbeing and the environment [3]. It will focus on understanding how human and animal welfare can increase wellbeing and contribute to a healthier, happier and equitable society. It will consider the EU One Health policy, food safety, and the role of the livestock sector in pandemics, as well as broader rural development and social policy.
References
- Abson, D.J., Fischer, J., Leventon, J., Newig, J., Schomerus, T., Vilsmaier, U., von Wehrden, H., Abernethy, P., Ives, C.D., Jager, N.W., 2017. Leverage points for sustainability transformation. Ambio 46, 30-39.
- FAO, 2013. SAFA Guidelines – Sustainability Assessment of Food And Agriculture Systems. Version 3.0. Rome: 2015.
- Pinillos, R.G., Appleby, M.C., Manteca, X., Scott-Park, F., Smith, C., Velarde, A., 2016. One welfare–a platform for improving human and animal welfare. Veterinary Record 179, 412-413.
- Van Zanten, H.H.E., Herrero, M., Van Hal, O., Röös, E., Muller, A., Garnett, T., Gerber, P.J., Schader, C., De Boer, I.J.M., 2018. Defining a land boundary for sustainable livestock consumption. Global Change Biology 24, 4185-4194.
