Defra's Definition of Sustainable Food

The Government, whilst fully complying with EU procurement rules, wants to lead by example by procuring food and food services that reflect the changes that it is aiming for across the whole of the food chain. This is a food system in which:

• Consumers are informed, can choose and afford healthy, sustainable food. This demand is met by profitable, competitive, highly skilled and resilient farming, fishing and food businesses, supported by first class research and development.

• Food is produced, processed, and distributed, to feed a growing global population in ways which:

  • use global natural resources sustainably,

  • enable the continuing provision of the benefits and services a healthy natural environment provides,

  •  promote high standards of animal health and welfare,

  • protect food safety,

  • make a significant contribution to rural communities, and

  • allow us to show global leadership on food sustainability.

• Our food security is ensured through strong UK agriculture and food sectors and international trade links with EU and global partners, support developing economies.

• The UK has a low carbon food system which is efficient with resources – any waste is reused, recycled or used for energy generation.

Based on this, sustainable food procurement is a process whereby public authorities procure food, catering equipment and catering services that:

• contribute to a healthy diet;

• support a thriving and competitive food industry;

• promote high animal health and welfare standards; and

• deliver improving environmental impact throughout the lifecycle of the product or service.

The GBS for Food and Catering Services have been designed to reflect the minimum standards you need to achieve for your procurement to be considered sustainable.