The European agri-food ecosystem is a vital part of the European economy, employing 16 million people in the industrial ecosystem and contributing €603 billion, or 6.4% of the EU's total economy. It is primarily composed of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), although large enterprises employ 40% of the workforce and generate over half of the sector's turnover. The production value within the agri-food industrial ecosystem has been steadily increasing over the years, with minor fluctuations due to economic crises and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the sector faces challenges related to environmental impact, labor productivity, innovation, and digitalization. To meet future food demands while addressing environmental concerns, increased innovation and efficiency are necessary. Additionally, the sector is dealing with cost pressures driven by inflation, energy prices, labor costs, and consumer demand for environmentally responsible products, necessitating transformative changes for sustainable and inclusive food production.
The European Monitor of Industrial Ecosystems (EMI) project has produced its first yearly report on the Agri-food ecosystem, highlighting data on its progress in terms of its green and digital transition across several dimensions, including industrial performance, environmental impact, technology generation and uptake, start-up trends, investments and funding, and skills.
The data collected and used for this report is also shared in the data package below, relating to the abovementioned dimensions. Wherever possible, the data package allows for time series analyses, as well as comparisons among industrial ecosystems, Member States, and between the EU and other major economies such as the US and China.
