What's Happening?
Slow Food, an environmental and food systems advocacy group, is pushing for a transformation in public food procurement across Europe. The group argues that public procurement can be a powerful lever for wider food systems reform, advocating for healthier,
more sustainable, and local agroecological food systems. The EAT-Lancet Commission has highlighted the detrimental impact of current diets high in red and processed meats, sugar, and ultra-processed foods on health and the environment. Slow Food suggests that public procurement should prioritize the Best Price-Quality Ratio criteria, ensuring contracts are awarded based on public value rather than the lowest cost. This approach aims to support small-scale farmers, strengthen local economies, and expand access to healthy and organic food.
Why It's Important?
The push for sustainable public procurement is significant as it addresses the pressing issues of public health, environmental degradation, and the decline of small-scale farms. By prioritizing quality and sustainability in food procurement, public institutions can play a crucial role in improving health outcomes, reducing environmental impacts, and supporting local economies. This initiative could lead to a shift away from industrial food systems that harm ecosystems and undermine small-scale farmers. The transformation of public procurement practices could serve as a model for other regions, potentially leading to widespread changes in food systems globally.
What's Next?
As the EU reviews its Public Procurement Directives, there is an opportunity to implement changes that prioritize sustainable food procurement. Slow Food and its allies are advocating for the recognition of food as a strategic sector and the establishment of minimum sustainability criteria by 2030. This year presents a chance to move from vision to implementation, with examples across Europe showing that reform is possible and beneficial. The focus will be on reconnecting communities with food, seasonality, and local producers, enhancing resilience and sustainability.
