The European Union’s “Food 2030” and “Vision for Agriculture and Food” provide invaluable lessons for Australia in transitioning toward sustainable, inclusive and resilient food systems. These initiatives align with the European Green Deal, Farm to Fork Strategy and Bioeconomy Strategy, addressing critical issues such as malnutrition, obesity, alternative proteins, food traceability and sustainability. The Vision outlines an ambitious roadmap for a competitive and future-oriented agricultural sector, focusing on digital-ready farming, generational renewal, climate action and fair living conditions for rural communities. This also helps understand the challenges and find possible solutions for the social determinants of health and health equity. The EU also established the European Board for Agriculture and Food to bridge the disconnect between these two areas.

By contrast, Australia lacks a cohesive national food policy. Existing efforts, such as the National Preventive Health Strategy 2021–2030 and the National Obesity Strategy 2022–2032, address health concerns but remain fragmented and lack transformative impact. The 150 current food-related policies of all Federal, State and Territory governments we researched (twenty-four food policies and sixty-two policy actions) identified across Australian Government departments reflect an incremental and uncoordinated approach.

This analysis underscores the importance of developing a unified food policy and a coordinating body for Australia. By adopting strategies inspired by the EU’s framework, Australia can advance sustainable food systems, promoting health, environmental preservation and economic resilience. This presentation explores the EU’s approach and offers actionable recommendations for Australia to achieve meaningful food system transformation.