Have your say on public spending: animal welfare standards must be considered

A public consultation on public procurement is now open. But what does this mean, exactly, and why should you care?

To most EU citizens, the term “public procurement” might seem inaccessible and complicated – not to mention unrelated to animal welfare. However, none of those things are the case. 

Public procurement refers to the process by which public authorities, like government departments or local bodies, purchase goods or services from companies. 

As the EU’s public procurement policies affect the way thousands of organisations make their buying choices, it could be an amazing channel through which to promote higher animal welfare standards across Europe. If sellers, for instance, had to guarantee a certain level of animal welfare in the products they sold to public bodies, higher welfare producers would receive more support. At the same time, other producers would be encouraged to prioritise and implement higher welfare measures in order to keep up with the competition. 

Public authorities in Sweden are using their purchasing power to support higher welfare chickens

Recent developments in Sweden show how better public procurement practices can have a positive impact on animal welfare. 

Updated criteria from the Swedish National Agency for Public Procurement has led to several municipalities showing commitment to purchasing chicken-based products from higher welfare breeds. 

More than one in four municipalities have reported to our member, Project 1882, that they plan to say no to fast-growing chicken products in their upcoming procurements. This decision will send a clear message to producers and policy-makers alike that chicken welfare is a factor in the purchasing decisions made by public authorities. Learn more in Project 1882’s new report. 

How could better public procurement policies support animal welfare at EU level?

Currently, sellers in the EU only have to abide by one mandatory standard when selling to public institutions (related to pricing).

More measures are needed. At Eurogroup for Animals, we are asking for criteria on product quality, including animal welfare, to be made compulsory in public procurement. This would support public institutions in making purchasing choices that are better for animal welfare, and likely encourage them to make more sustainable and plant-based choices.