The Sustainable Food Charter establishes a strong framework of public policy in matters of consumption. Through this text which guides municipal action and the companies Or organizations which respond to public food procurementthe Administrative Council positions itself as a major partner of the region’s farmers, to offer them substantial and remunerative opportunities.
A revision after consultation with stakeholders in Geneva agriculture
After extensive consultation with stakeholders in Geneva’s agriculture – AgriGenève, Union Maraîchère de Genève (UMG), Movement for Peasant and Citizen Agriculture (MAPC), Uniterre, Geneva Association of Independent Winegrowers (AGVEI), Association of Independent Brewers of Geneva (ABIG) -, the document adopted in October 2021 was fine and one version specific to events was developed.
“This revision is essential for all parties. A more sustainable diet can only be achieved in close collaboration with the Geneva agricultural world, taking into account its realities and its expectations. The recent results in our school restaurants, showing nearly of 30% of GRTA products, already attest to a major advance”, indicates Alfonso Gomez, Administrative Advisor in charge of the environment.
Main changes
Among the main modifications are, at the request of the agricultural community, the following additions:
- transparency on the origins,
- taking into consideration the direct sales,
- remunerative prices for producers and throughout the sector,
- precision on the definition of “local” (priority Geneva or GRTA labeled, failing regional or Swiss).
Promote regional meat
Promote local meat product sectors while reducing the use of imported products is another major element of this new framework document. In this regard, the General Charter now requires 90% GRTA meat, as a priority, or Swisswhile this percentage amounts to 100% in the Charter specific to events. “Eating quality meat in responsible quantities means eating meat raised here!” says Patricia Bidaux, president of AgriGenève.
Origin of drinks in events
The specific Charter for events is also distinguished by a stronger requirement concerning the origin of drinks (100% Geneva wines, 50% craft beers, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks produced in Geneva).
“This charter is consistency itself, let’s drink and eat what our terroir offers us”, underlines Willy Cretegny, president of the Geneva association of independent winegrowers and winemakers (AGVEI).
The objectives concerning organic, seasonal, homemade food and the non-use of endangered fish species remain the same.
Areas covered
Note that the objectives set in the Charter target the following areas:
- Municipal institutions directly under management: cafeterias, receptions;
- Funded institutionswith direct subordination link with the City of Geneva: nurseries, school restaurants;
- Public procurement: concessioned management, public establishments owned by the Cityestablishments subject to public competition;
- Subsidized institutions and associationswithout direct subordination (in particular festivals and public or cultural events offering catering);
- Events organized or supported by the CityAnd events taking place on the territory of the City subject to authorization.
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