Olesen, Jørgen E., de Steenhuijsen Piters, Bart, Nicklaus, Sophie, Aschemann-Witzel, Jessica, Bakker, Martha, Bonnet, Céline, Bos-Brouwers, Hilke, Brétillon, Lionel, Brinch-Pedersen, Henrik, Candel, Jeroen J. L., Dalgaard, Tommy, Détang-Dessendre, Cécile, Eriksen, Jørgen, Feskens, Edith J. M., González Gaviola, Agustín, van der Goot, Atze Jan, Halberg, Niels, Kesse-Guyot, Emmanuelle, Trydeman Knudsen, Marie, Kudsk, Per, Meuwissen, Miranda P. M., Nesme, Thomas, Pyett, Stacy C., Renard, Catherine M. G. C., Ruben, Ruerd, Schulte, Rogier P. O., Schut, Antonius G. T., Soler, Louis-Georges, Jellesmark Thorsen, Bo, Turolla, Stéphane, de Vries, Hugo, Wertheim-Heck, Sigrid C. O. and Young, Jette F. (2026) Principles for guiding and unlocking transformation of the European Union agrifood system. Nature Food.

Abstract

European agrifood systems face many challenges and dilemmas regarding sustainability, resilience and competitiveness. Through consultations with scientific experts, we identified five systemic lock-ins (governance and policy fragmentation; behavioural and dietary challenges; political economy and market dynamics; unaccountability and environmental degradation; disruption and unpredictability as the new norm) hindering agrifood systems transformation. Based on concrete examples, we propose five guiding principles that, in various combinations, can help address lock-ins and guide effective changes towards more healthy and sustainable food systems. Their successful implementation requires strong, experience-inspired, science-based political and business leadership supported by a revised research and innovation agenda.