Meet our members | Branko RAVNIK : towards fair and sustainable food systems

Branko RAVNIK has been a member of the EESC since 2015, as part of the Civil Society Organisations’ Group. He is currently Senior Agriculture Adviser of the Institute for the Promotion of Tourism in Bohinj, Slovenia, after having held the posts of Director of the Slovenian Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry and Director-General of the Directorate for Agriculture at the Ministry of Agriculture. He is a member of the Sections for Transport, Energy, Infrastructure and the Information Society (TEN), Economic and Monetary Union and Economic and Social Cohesion (ECO), and Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment (NAT). His activities focus in particular on sustainable agriculture, fair and sustainable food systems, and sustainable tourism.

1. As rapporteur of EESC opinion on Towards a Fair Food Supply Chain, you advocated for a transformation of  Europe’s food systems so that they are more environmentally, economically and socially sustainable, resilient, fair and inclusive. Your recent appointment as co-rapporteur of the EESC evaluation report on unfair trading practices in B2B relationships in the agricultural and food supply chain will allow you to delve deeper in the topic. In your view, what are the main challenges of ensuring a fair food supply chain in the EU?

European agriculture, food systems and the agri-food chain as a whole are undoubtedly facing extraordinary challenges. I fully agree with the compendium of EESC opinions on sustainable food systems and related proposals, which are summarised very well in nine sets of recommendations.

The consequences of the globalisation of food systems are certainly a key challenge. The business models based on it do not contribute to building a fair food supply chain.

Will we be able to address the entire chain to a greater extent in policy planning at EU level and help make it sustainable? Do we see sustainability as something we really want to achieve and does this apply to both systems and individuals? To what extent can we strengthen local supply chains? These are some of questions to be addressed. A particular challenge is whether it will be possible to ensure a better income for farmers, the mechanisms of which will be embedded in the chain.

In the last few years, many changes have been made in response to these issues, which also show that it is a complicated, complex and sensitive system requiring tailor-made solutions.

It is important to take action at EU level, because national solutions alone will not be effective enough given the free flow of goods and services.

Therefore, the adoption of the Directive on unfair trading practices between companies in the supply chain of agricultural and food products was a very important step towards regulating the relationships that are crucial for the long-term sustainability of food systems.

2. You have recently been appointed as the new food supply chain ombudsman in Slovenia, congratulations!  What does this position mean in practice and how will this contribute to the work of the EESC, and vice-versa?

The decision to run for this position is also related to the EESC’s work in the field of sustainable food systems. I am convinced that it is the duty of every individual to contribute what they can to the welfare of all. Considering that I will work alone as an ombudsman and for a limited period, my activities will be related to this.

I will devote most of my time to dialogue with stakeholders in the chain. The focus will be on uncovering unfair practices and presenting and promoting examples of good practices.

The main approach will be to publish articles on various topics related to the work of the ombudsman and to raise awareness of various aspects of relationships in the agri-food chain, as well as participating in various events. I will encourage stakeholders to let me know what needs to be done to improve relations in the agri-food chain and I will do everything necessary to achieve this.

I think this is well connected to work in the Committee, as I will be able to get the best information about the situation, challenges and solutions at EU level and, at the same time, I will have the opportunity to share my experience with colleagues in the Committee who are interested in this area and beyond.

3. On 24 May 2024, you organised a conference on the sustainable development of protected natural areas in your home country, Slovenia. What were the main outcomes of this conference and what else can we do to ensure a smooth interplay between agricultural activities and nature protection?

The conference took place within the framework of the 18th International Flower Festival, which features botanical tours, various events and culinary experiences that celebrate the rich flora of Bohinj and local offerings. This traditional event also serves as a platform to promote the sustainable development of our vulnerable Alpine region.

The special feature is that representatives of agriculture, nature conservation and tourism gather in one place and, in dialogue, look for ways to meet the latest needs.

Distinguished speakers, which impressed the participants, presented various aspects of the activities needed in the future to preserve food production, protect nature and resources and to involve visitors who can appreciate this through tourism. Experts from the fields of agriculture, nature and tourism presented current activities and plans to continue drawing up policies that can contribute to this. In the discussion, the participants pointed out the importance of taking action when dealing with the problems they are facing. The panel discussion featuring excellent contributions also highlighted many challenges and key solutions. The conference delivered several conclusions, touching on all three of the abovementioned areas, as well as more general ones.

Farming is not only an economic sector, but also a way of life and small mountain farms have a tremendous impact on the preservation of biodiversity and the environment, which enables the development of green tourism. Key solutions in this area include development policies that support these farms, cooperation between the local population, the tourism industry and professional services, dialogue between different interests, effective management of tourist destinations, and stronger local supply chains.