EU school fruit, vegetables and milk scheme with organic emphasis
Published on 13 August 2018
Finland
Länsi-Suomi
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
In Finland only the school milk programme has earlier been in use and support for the use of fruits and vegetables in schools has not been paid. Now also the consumption of fruits and vegetables is supported within short seasonal period. Milk products can be supported in Finland with 3,8 million and fruits and vegetables with 1,6 million.
The choice of products to be distributed in each EU country must be based on health and environmental criteria, seasonality, variety and availability, with priority given to European products. National authorities are also free to encourage for example local or regional purchasing or organic products as part of their overall programme.
In Finland it is decided to give bigger support for organic products to encourage kitchens and catering services to go for the government goal that 20 % of the food offered at the catering services of the state and central government is organic year 2020.
The choice of products to be distributed in each EU country must be based on health and environmental criteria, seasonality, variety and availability, with priority given to European products. National authorities are also free to encourage for example local or regional purchasing or organic products as part of their overall programme.
In Finland it is decided to give bigger support for organic products to encourage kitchens and catering services to go for the government goal that 20 % of the food offered at the catering services of the state and central government is organic year 2020.
Resources needed
The support for skimmed liquid milk products is 13 cents per litre and for corresponding organic products 31 cents per litre. For every child the support can be paid for 2,5 dl a day during the whole school year.
It is under the EU funds, but the area or town need to have aspiration to use organic
It is under the EU funds, but the area or town need to have aspiration to use organic
Evidence of success
National authorities in Finland encourage local or regional purchasing or organic products as part of their overall program. It is studied that in Finland, 67% of schools prefer to buy milk that is supported by the Finnish government. Through EU-funds the Finnish government supports organic milk purchase, and this has increased the level or organic consumption nationwide. Also, the number or organic mil farms has increased, while the traditional milk farms have decreased.
Potential for learning or transfer
This good practice shows example to other European countries how the Finnish government supports citizens to consume more organic products, via schools all around the country, using dedicated EU funds for that. Other European countries should take this great practice of Finland to foster political commitment towards greater organic consumption nationwide.
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Regional Council of South Ostrobothnia
Finland
Etelä-Suomi
Contact