We wrote earlier about how at the beginning of May the European Parliament voted against the inclusion of plant milk in the EU fruit, vegetable and milk in schools programme (hereinafter referred to as the EU Schools Programme), which helps children to get fruit, vegetables and dairy products to school, and to educate them about agriculture and healthy nutrition. And although the European Parliament decided not to include plant-based milk in the program, the European Commission is currently reviewing the EU school program. The EU schools program is due to be published later this year, and the European Commission is considering expanding the category of eligible products to include plant-based milk alternatives.
Together with our umbrella organization, European Vegetarian Union, we strongly support the proposal that the EU schools program supervised by the EU Commission should also include the supply of plant-based milk alternatives to children. Some member states, such as Germany, have also already expressed support for their inclusion. We want to see the active involvement of Lithuania in solving this issue.
As a result, today we sent a request to Minister of Agriculture Kęstučius Navickas and Minister of Education, Science and Sports Gintautas Jakštas, inviting them to support this proposal.
Why is it important to give children choices?
As schools can be a powerful agent of change and public procurement in schools is a key tool in shaping food consumption habits, this policy has a crucial role to play in the transition to a more sustainable and healthy food system. We strongly support this Commission proposal, convinced that it in the EU school curriculum:
- Would increase inclusion
By expanding the EU school program with plant-based milk alternatives, children who do not want to consume animal milk for medical, ethical, taste or environmental reasons will have the opportunity to choose a nutritious alternative. - It would contribute to sustainability
From an environmental point of view, the inclusion of plant-based milk alternatives in the EU school curriculum will expand the availability of plant-based nutrition, which the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) strategy "Farm to Table" and Report on Food Safety Factors recognized as the main means of mitigating the problems of climate change. This diet is recognized as having a lower impact on climate change due to less land use, greenhouse gas emissions, freshwater use and eutrophication. - It would contribute to a more varied and healthier diet for children
Fortified plant-based milk alternatives are healthy and nutritious and help add variety to a balanced diet. They are naturally rich in fiber, healthy unsaturated fats, vitamins and minerals. Some are high in protein, such as soy and pea milk. All of these aspects allow plant-based milk alternatives to score high on the Nutri-Score, with almost all receiving an A or B rating. - It would open up new opportunities in the market
Although the plant-based food sector is relatively young, it has seen significant growth in recent years. European plant-based food sector 2018-2020 increased to 49 % and is expected to increase by 2025. will reach 7.5 billion euros, and until 2029 - 16.7 billion
Of all plant-based products, plant-based milk alternatives have the most market penetration and already account for more than 10% of the total milk market in %, with a sales value of increased by 19 %.
In addition, the expansion of the EU schools program to include plant-based alternatives offers opportunities for farmers, as the plants used to make these drinks are mainly grown in the EU.
The letters to ministers mark the start of our institutional change activities
In the "Gyvi gali" activity, we have defined three main directions of our activity - public education, cooperation with businesses and institutional changes. The letters sent to ministers today mark the official start of the latter.
We chose to focus on the development of plant-based food in educational institutions, seeing great potential in helping children eat healthier, more sustainably and more in line with their values. Globally, the interest of younger people in environmental protection, animal ethics and other issues is opening the way for us to look for opportunities to increase the availability of plant-based food where it is needed most.
You can contribute to institutional changes supporting our activities financially. Together, we strive to make delicious, animal-friendly, sustainable and healthy plant-based food accessible to everyone.
Institutional change activities in the organization are financed by the project "NGO Gyvi Gali Institutional Strengthening" from the Ministry of Social Security and Labour.
