Sustainable Food Procurement
Food production and consumption account for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions. Through public food procurement, there is an opportunity to influence and promote sustainable production and consumption practices, both within the Swedish public sector and on the global market.
The food sector is responsible for approximately 30% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and poses a significant environmental burden with deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and water scarcity as negative consequences. The growing world population, with increased demand for resource-intensive diets such as meat and dairy products, puts further pressure on our limited resources. Public procurement of food constitutes a significant portion of the meals served in Sweden and has an important symbolic role, making it a crucial opportunity to disseminate knowledge about sustainable production and consumption within the food sector.
Through a systematic literature review and interviews with Swedish stakeholders in public food procurement, the following article and dissertation explore how sustainability is defined and implemented in practice. The results show a prioritization of organically certified products and locally produced goods, but challenges remain in promoting dietary changes and reducing food waste. The dissertation highlights the importance of promoting sustainability in food procurement and provides guidance for addressing the global sustainability challenges facing the food sector.
The findings clarify the significance of various factors, including the demand for locally produced, organically labeled, high-quality, and healthy food products within procurement. It is noteworthy that the research points to a shift from a previous focus on organic products to an increased interest in locally produced goods. This is driven by claims of enhanced environmental benefits. This research emphasizes the importance of promoting sustainability throughout the food chain and setting requirements that benefit the entire market rather than being narrowly focused on specific suppliers.