Organic Food: Good food for farmers, workers, climate and the environment
EESC Rue van Maerlant 2 1040 - Brussels Belgium
On 15 November 2024, from 9:30 to 13:00 CET, the EESC will host a joint pivotal event on the benefits of organic food and the critical role of public procurement in advancing sustainable practices.
The event is co-organised by Organic Cities Network Europe, the EESC and the Associazione per l'Agricoltura Biodinamica, and in partnership with ICLEI, Buy Better Food, France Urbaine and IFOAM Organics Europe.
Organic Food: A Path for Sustainability
The event will highlight the numerous benefits of organic food for various stakeholders: • Farmers benefit from healthier soils, reduced exposure to harmful chemicals, and more stable, sustainable agricultural practices. • Workers in the organic sector are shielded from the hazards of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. • The climate benefits from the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration through organic farming methods. • The environment gains from improved biodiversity, water conservation, and reduced pollution. Over the past century, organic agriculture has evolved into a vital component of sustainable food systems across Europe and beyond. This year marks the 100th anniversary of organic farming, an important milestone that will be celebrated at the event.
European Dialogue on Organic Territorial Strategies
The event in Brussels will serve as a platform for European cities and institutions to engage in a dialogue around organic territorial strategies, with a focus on public procurement. Public procurement plays a key role in driving demand for organic products, fostering regional and local food systems, and ensuring that the food served in public institutions aligns with sustainability goals.
The discussions will reflect on the recent successes of healthy food initiatives across cities like Bremen, Salzburg, Nuremberg, Munich, Florence, Paris, Seeham, Copenhagen, Riga, Liège, and more. These initiatives have demonstrated the positive outcomes of collaboration between local governments, bio-regions, and national entities, driving healthier and more sustainable food systems for all.
Key Milestones and Manifestos
Two significant manifestos and a petition will be highlighted at the event
• The Manifesto for the establishment of minimum mandatory criteria for Public canteens across the EU, developed by the EU Food Policy Coalition, which calls for mandatory minimum criteria for public canteens in Europe. This initiative has already been endorsed by many organisations and European local and regional governments as a very concrete proposal toward a more sustainable food system
• The Freeing Up Public Procurement Manifesto, signed by over 80 cities and facilities in France and Belgium, along with associations in Spain and Estonia promotes greater flexibility and sustainability in public food procurement policies
• In addition, the European Petition for healthy school meals across Europe has garnered over hundred thousand signatures, underscoring the European public’s desire for better nutrition and food education for every child in every school.
Speakers
- Peter Schmidt, European Economic and Social Committee;
- Piroska Kallay, European Economic and Social Committee;
- Audrey Pulvar, City of Paris;
- Jan Kohlmueller, City of Bremen;
- Eva-Sonja Bauhus, City of Nuremberg;
- Katri Kuusk, City of Tartu;
- Dario Nardella, Member of the European Parliament;
- Elena Panichi, European Commission;
- Karl Kempkens, BML, Germany;
- Edoardo Cuoco, IFOAM organics Europe;
- Marion Tanniou, France Urbaine;
- Jean-Marc Louvin, Buy Better Food Campaign;
- Peter Defranceschi, ICLEI;
- Antonio Ferrentino, Citta' del Bio;
- Antonio Bettanini, In Cammino-Abazie d'Europa;
- Carlo Triarico, Association for Biodynamic Agriculture;
- Alessandro Piccolo, Association for Biodynamic Agriculture;
- Claudio Serafini, Organic Cities Network Europe.
The event will take place at the EESC, Rue van Maerlant 2, 1040 Brussels and will be interpreted into EN-FR-IT-DE. It will be webstreamed freely on the EESC website.
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