Manifesto for establishing minimum standards for public canteens across the EU

26 October 2022

The Sustainable Food Procurement manifesto, promoted by the Buy Better Food Campaign, calls for a minimum standard for public canteens across the EU as part of implementing the Farm to Fork strategy. It contains precise targets, procurement tender criteria, verification and enablers for seven actionable target areas which go beyond ‘green’ (or environmentally friendly) public procurement (GPP): healthy food; organic and other agro-ecological practices; support for small-scale farmers; climate action; social economy and labour rights; fair trade; and animal welfare.

The Manifesto is an inspiration for policy makers at all levels of government. On 11 October 2022, during a key event at the European Committee of the Regions in Brussels, the Manifesto was handed over to Alexandra Nikolakopoulou, Head of Unit for the Farm to Fork strategy at the European Commission. The Manifesto is endorsed by several expert organisations, and local and regional governments from around Europe.

If you are a European local or regional government who would like to become an endorser of the Manifesto, email HERE!

Manifesto for establishing minimum standards for public canteens across the EU

News

Introducing Con Criterio, the new video podcast exploring how sustainability decisions are made

Introducing Con Criterio, the new video podcast exploring how sustainability decisions are made

How are the decisions that drive the ecological transition made? Who defines the criteria guiding public procurement, the circular economy and sustainability policies? Con Criterio – How Sustainability Decisions Are Made is the new video podcast by Fondazione Ecosistemi and EconomiaCircolare.com, bringing together experts, public institutions, businesses and researchers to explore the decision-making processes behind a more sustainable future. Through eleven conversations, the series reveals how today’s choices can generate lasting value for the environment, the economy and society.

read more
The end of greenwashing? The new challenge is proving sustainability

The end of greenwashing? The new challenge is proving sustainability

With the entry into force of Directive (EU) 2024/825, environmental communication is entering a new era. Generic environmental claims and unsupported sustainability statements will face increasing scrutiny. The real challenge is no longer simply to communicate sustainability, but to demonstrate it through objective, transparent and verifiable evidence. This was the central theme of “The End of Greenwashing?”, an event held in Rome as part of the European Climate Pact.

read more
ParkConnect: Young Europeans, Educators and Park Managers Meet in Rome to Discuss the Future of Urban Green Spaces

ParkConnect: Young Europeans, Educators and Park Managers Meet in Rome to Discuss the Future of Urban Green Spaces

Urban parks can be much more than simple green areas. They can become places for learning, participation and connection between people, communities and nature. This vision inspired “Grafts: conversations on urban parks and connected green spaces”, the international event organised in Rome as part of the Erasmus+ ParkConnect project and hosted within the Forum Compraverde Buygreen 2026.

read more