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Why this action matters
Backed by researchJoint procurement supports the transition to more sustainable food systems by addressing fragmented purchasing practices that hinder the development of robust and diverse supply chains. Evidence shows that high consumption of animal-based foods is associated with greater environmental impact, while plant-based diets can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and land use, making coordinated procurement of plant-based foods a strategic step toward more sustainable food systems.
Concept connections
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What this action would change
Backed by researchThe action itself
Creating a shared purchasing body across multiple institutions enables the aggregation of demand for plant-based foods, allowing for the negotiation of bulk supply contracts that reduce costs and improve access to sustainable food options.
What it would change in the UK
This approach unlocks cost efficiencies that make plant-based food procurement economically viable for smaller councils, while also supporting the transition to diets associated with reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lower land use, as evidenced by studies showing plant-based diets can reduce environmental impact.
What it would change worldwide
The aggregated demand from the UK institutional sector for plant-based foods sends a strong signal to global commodity markets, encouraging growers and processors to scale up plant-protein supply, which can contribute to more sustainable global food systems and help mitigate climate change impacts.
Where national politics stands
Nothing recorded yetThe research behind it
Published research about food and farming as a whole, not this action in particular
We are holding this summary back until we have checked it
This summary was written before we started checking summaries against the papers they cite, so it has not been checked.
Research and reports on this action
Food Supply
UK Health Security Agency - HECC · 2023
Open the full report to read the findings ↗
“There is a strong relationship between the amount of animal-based foods in a diet and its environmental impact, including GHG emissions, land use, water use, eutrophication and biodiversity. Dietary shifts away from animal-based foods can make a substantial contribution to reduction of the UK environmental footprint. Uncertainty due to region of origin and methods of food production do not obscure these differences between diet groups and should not be a barrier to policy action aimed at reducing animal-based food consumption.”
Vegans, vegetarians, fish-eaters and meat-eaters in the UK show discrepant environmental impacts
Nature Food · 2023
Research that argues the other way
We are holding this summary back until we have checked it
This summary was written before we started checking summaries against the papers they cite, so it has not been checked.