PUBLIC PROCUREMENT NEWS

  

News

12 February 2019

Toward a European Common Food Policy

The International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems has published a report calling for a common food policy for the European Union. The report, authored by experts in sustainable agri-food systems, presents alternatives to Europe’s current unsustainable food and farming system. It calls for synergies among policy sectors and criticizes various European policies cancelling each other out instead of supporting common sustainability and health goals.

As a sector overarching topic, food policy must be considered on all levels of decision making. Innovations in public procurement can help in achieving strategic goals such as relocalising and diversifying food production. According to the report, short supply chains and local crop varieties are key to reducing the environmental impact of food production and improving public health. Procurement can support local economies and breeds while making sure public caterers offer a varied diet with lower carbon footprints.

There is a variety of case studies available giving examples on how local authorities can play their part in reaching sustainability goals through sustainable and innovative food procurement. Head over to our Resource Centre to learn more.

Read the full report here