The meeting held in November 2023, organised by our partner the Jožef Stefan Institute, focused on the comprehensive analysis conducted in the LAS Rural Development area, with a specific emphasis on the municipality of Laško, which was selected as a case study. The primary aim was to discuss findings and recommendations from these analyses to foster a sustainable and locally-sourced public food procurement system, especially in school catering.
The meeting was attended by key representatives including municipal officials encompassing a public procurement officer and an agriculture sector representative; members of the Agricultural Advisory Service; representatives from STIK, responsible for organizing events and managing tourism activities in the municipality; and a representative from the Primož Trubar Primary School in Laško, specifically the organizer of school meals.
Agenda:
- Summary of previous meeting (March 30, 2023)
Introduction to the Cocoreado project and agreement with the municipality of Laško to become a case study for exploring how public procurement can bolster local community development, particularly through linking local food production to school nutrition.
- Results of the Analysis
Two key analyses were presented:
- “Comprehensive Analysis of Food Production Trends in Slovenia for 2010-2020 – LAS Rural Development Area”: Examining agricultural production, profitability at the national level, contrasting Western and Eastern Slovenia, and exploring the connection between economic class and production methods. Focused on specific municipalities (Laško, Štore, Vojnik, Celje) in terms of the number of farms and land use, identifying common challenges and the impact of local specifics on agriculture.
- “Public Food Procurement Analysis for Primož Trubar Primary School Laško (2020-2023)”: Investigating procurement, including supplier analysis, contract values, food diversity, and budget usage for 2022, comparing procurement with local production structure, and concluding with actionable suggestions based on the data.
- Findings
Key insights highlighted the need for greater adaptability and innovation in agriculture and the importance of local/sustainable food production for public institutions like schools. Promoting local producers’ involvement in public procurement can contribute to sustainable and diverse nutrition in the community.
- Guidance for Next Steps
Based on the findings, the next steps involve creating a public food procurement system that drives local development and supports sustainable, seasonal food in school nutrition and the broader local community. This approach aims to enhance the lives of farmers, local suppliers, and all residents of Laško, contributing to a more sustainable and healthier local environment.
All participants expressed positive surprise at the results and recommendations. The municipality showed a strong interest in implementing these guidelines in practice over the coming years, demonstrating a commitment to tangible changes in local development and sustainable practices.