In a joint letter addressed to President Ursula von der Leyen and the European Commission, ICLEI Europe and IFOAM Organics Europe, together with 15 organisations with an expertise on sustainable food systems, are urging the European Commission to leave a lasting and concrete legacy of the EU Farm to Fork strategy through sustainable public food procurement (SFP).

Dated 16 January 2024, the joint letter highlights the critical role of SFP in realising the goals set by the EU Farm to Fork strategy and underscores its potential in promoting healthy diets, combating malnutrition, addressing food insecurity, supporting small-scale farmers, and mitigating climate change.

ICLEI Europe and the other signatories argue that the existing EU criteria for Green Public Procurement of food fall short in fully realising the benefits for consumers, producers, and the environment as health, climate considerations, and support for small-scale farmers are notably absent from these recommendations.

Already in 2022, ICLEI, together with other members of the EU Food Policy Coalition, developed the Manifesto for Establishing Minimum Standards for Public Canteens across the EU. Among the seven minimum standards outlined in the Manifesto, the current letter highlights four crucial standards in particular. First, a minimum of 20% organic products would have a tremendously positive impact on health and the environment. Second, a reduction of animal proteins on the public plate would lead to substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Third, a minimum of 10% of food coming from small-scale producers to counterbalance the alarming decline of farmers across Europe. Lastly, setting an EU minimum standard on Healthy School Meals to fight child obesity and malnutrition, all the while promoting social equity and food security.

The joint letter argues that the Farm to Fork strategy, particularly through SFP, provides a unique opportunity for the European Commission to rectify the shortcomings of the current food system. The call to action is summarised with the powerful message: "Small Plate, Big Impact!" The outlined minimum standards offer a tangible roadmap to transform public food procurement, contributing to healthier communities, resilient small-scale farming, and a sustainable future for Europe.

Read the joint letter in full here.