On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 as regards the school fruit, vegetables and milk scheme (‘EU school scheme’), sectoral interventions, the creation of a protein sector, requirements for hemp, the possibility for marketing standards for cheese, protein crops and meat, application of additional import duties, rules on the availability of supplies in time of emergencies and severe crisis and securities
REGI-AD-782254
Committee on Regional Development · Rapporteur: Valentina Palmisano
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The Committee on Regional Development gives its opinion on the Commission's proposal to amend Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 on the common organisation of agricultural markets.¶¶ It proposes amendments to make the EU school scheme a food education programme, with priority for Union, local and organic products, plant-based drinks and allergy adaptation.¶¶¶ It wants a protein crop sector, support for small farms in less developed regions, islands and outermost regions, and a role for hemp in regenerating polluted sites.¶¶¶ It seeks mandatory consultation of local and regional authorities in national plans and reserves rotated to prevent food waste, with expiring products going to charities and food banks.¶¶¶ It proposes rules on food security preparedness plans, a minimum level of reserves and coordination with the Union Civil Protection Mechanism.¶¶¶
Committee position. The committee welcomes the Commission proposal and proposes amendments to make the school scheme a food education programme, create a protein crop sector, support small farms in disadvantaged regions, promote hemp, and ensure reserves are rotated to prevent food waste.¶¶¶
Key points
- Local and regional authorities should be actively involved in planning and implementing interventions related to the EU school scheme.¶
- A distinct protein crop sector should be created in Annex I, with mandatory recognition of producer and interbranch organisations and an observatory.¶
- Fuel storage capacities and priority fuel access for farmers should be strengthened to keep sowing and harvesting on time.¶
- The school scheme should keep a ring-fenced financial envelope, reduce administrative burden and combat territorial inequalities in access.¶
- Distribution of products high in free sugars, added fats and ultra-processed foods should be limited, and Union-origin products prioritised.¶
- Schools should periodically ask about food allergies and intolerances and adapt the products distributed.¶
- Member States should monitor uptake, minimise food waste and support dietary education pathways to reduce health inequalities.¶¶
- Sectoral interventions should not disadvantage small-scale holdings, and simplification should not weaken essential policies.¶¶
- Member States should adopt preparedness plans, share stock information, designate competent authorities and join Union-level stress tests.¶
- Food stock coordination should be linked to the Union Civil Protection Mechanism, and POSEI should be updated with a 2 % deflator.¶¶
- Member States should consult local and regional authorities and small farmers' organisations when preparing and revising their plans.¶
- Reserves should be rotated to prevent food waste, with products nearing their best-before or use-by dates given priority, and a minimum reserve level set by 1 March 2028.¶¶¶
Who is affected
- Schoolchildren, including those in early childhood education, who receive fruit, vegetables and milk under the scheme.¶
- Small-scale farmers and producers, who should not be disadvantaged by the new implementation model.¶¶
- Local and regional authorities, which should be consulted on national plans and involved in crisis logistics.¶¶
- Outermost regions, islands and less developed regions, which should receive priority investments and equal access to the scheme.¶¶
- Charities and food banks, which should receive products approaching their expiry dates first.¶
Figures and deadlines
- EUR 90 001 722,9 — maximum school scheme aid for school year 2027/2028.¶
- 2 % deflator — to be applied to POSEI to offset inflation.¶
- 1 March 2028 — deadline for the Commission to determine a minimum level of reserves.¶
- at least five months — food security to be guaranteed by the minimum reserves in a serious crisis.
- every three years — frequency for Member States to notify summaries of their food security plans.¶
Legal basis: Article 349 TFEU¶