Fruit and vegetables
Cultivation of fruit and vegetables can have a large environmental impact and in some cases poor working conditions. Procurement authorities can contribute to a better environment and working conditions through requirements for, among other things, socially responsible procurement and EU ecological goods.
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Criteria group
| Download | Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU-organic product | Core | Technical specification | Fruit | ||
Criterion information Organic production promotes sustainable agriculture. Organic farming should respect nature's ecosystems and different natural cycles, and strive to maintain and improve the quality of soil, water, plant health and the health of animals. The balance between all elements is to be maintained and preferably improved. Criterion text Food products must be produced in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council on organic production and labelling of organic products. | |||||
| Organic product - addition fruit and vegetables | Advanced | Technical specification | Fruit | ||
Criterion information Organic farming should respect nature's ecosystems and different natural cycles, and strive to improve the quality of soil, water and plant health. Through further requirements regarding energy use, the climate impact of production can be reduced. Criterion text Raw materials of fruit, berries and vegetables grown in greenhouses, shall be produced in accordance with regulation (EU)2018/848 on organic production and labelling of organic products as well as in accordance with at least one of the following requirements: Either:
or:
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| Information about origin of the raw material – plant products | Core | Technical specification | Fruit | ||
Criterion information Transparency and traceability within the food supply chain is a prerequisite to being able to monitor both environmental requirements and social requirements within the supply chain. A requirement for information regarding the origin of raw material, along with the possibility for monitoring, ensures traceability for the contracting organisation. Criterion text For food products from vegetable raw material, information regarding the country(ies) of origin of the material(s) shall be available and can be presented upon request during the contract period, including any substitute items. Information regarding the raw material's country(ies) of origin shall contain:
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| GMO-free products - fruit and vegetables | Core | Technical specification | Fruit | ||
Criterion information Procuring authorities that have taken a stance against GMOs may consider requesting this. The environmental impact from genetically modified organisms has not yet been The use of genetically modified organisms (GMO) is not common in food products within the European market, rather they are primarily found in animal feed. Contracting organisations that have taken a stance against GMOs may consider requesting GMO-free products. Criterion text Products containing fruit and vegetables shall not consist of, contain, or have been created from genetically modified organisms (GMO). Traces of authorised GMO1 are permitted under the condition that they are unintentional or technically unavoidable, and that they do not constitute more than 0.9 per cent of each individual raw material in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 on genetically modified food and feed. | |||||
| Post harvest chemical treatment - fruit | Advanced | Technical specification | Fruit | ||
Criterion information Post harvest chemical treatment is a plant protection product that can be used to protect against, for example, fungal pathogens, or to prevent germination during storage. The requirement aims to reduce the use of these substances and to limit unnecessary exposure for consumers. Criterion text Chemical plant protection products that are fungicides are not permitted in the treatment of fruit after harvest. The criterion does not cover citrus fruits. | |||||
| Energy efficiency and renewable electricity | Spearhead | Technical specification | Fruit | ||
Criterion information By increasing the efficiency of energy use and replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy, the climate impact of cultivating fruit and vegetables can be reduced. Choosing products that have been grown in agreement with such terms is a way of contributing to a lower climate impact. Criterion text Fruit and vegetable products from open-field farming or greenhouse cultivation shall be produced in accordance with the following terms:
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| Tailored fertilisation - fruit and vegetables | Spearhead | Technical specification | Fruit | ||
Criterion information The use of phosphorus and nitrogen in agriculture is one of the main causes of eutrophication in rivers, lakes, and seas. Requiring that the amount of fertiliser is tailored to the needs of the cultivation and conditions present can contribute to reducing nutrient leaching and to a lower climate impact. Criterion text In the cultivation of fruit or vegetables, fertiliser shall be applied in a way that reduces the risk of nutrient leaching. The amount of fertiliser shall be tailored to the needs of the cultivation and the conditions present. This means that:
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| Biodiversity | Spearhead | Technical specification | Fruit | ||
Criterion information Global food production poses one of the most serious threats to biodiversity. Within agriculture there are good possibilities for working in a systematic way to protect and promote biodiversity, and that is the aim of this requirement. Criterion text Products from fruit and vegetables shall be grown in line with a systematic and documented work method related to biodiversity.
The requirement does not apply to greenhouse cultivation. | |||||
| Socially responsible cultivation | Core | Special contract terms | Fruit | ||
Criterion information Fruit and vegetables can have global supply chains. Globally there are large challenges connected to working conditions within agriculture. Therefore, it is important to specify requirements that protect workers rights within the agricultural operations from which products are purchased. Criterion text Raw materials consisting of fruit and/or vegetables that are supplied in accordance with the contract shall be cultivated under working conditions compatible with:
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| Socially responsible cultivation and fair trade - fruit | Advanced | Special contract terms | Fruit | ||
Criterion information Cultivation of fruit often takes place in countries with extensive poverty, and growers live under unstable economic conditions. Choosing products which promote sound working conditions and also contribute to fair trade conditions can facilitate improvements in the economic preconditions for growers. Criterion text Raw materials consisting of fruit, that are supplied in accordance with the contract, shall be cultivated under working conditions compatible with:
To promote fair trade conditions, the grower must also be guaranteed:
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| Returnable crates | Core | Technical specification | Fruit | ||
Criterion information The use of returnable crates minimises the use of single-use packaging whilst simultaneously allowing for simpler and more efficient handling in the goods flow. This requirement aims to reduce the amount of single-use packaging within the food sector – cardboard in particular – and thereby contribute to the more efficient use of resources Criterion text Whole fresh fruit and vegetables shall be delivered in returnable boxes from the supplier to the kitchen; that is, the products shall be delivered in reusable packaging that is designed to be reused in a reuse system during its lifecycle in accordance with SS-EN 13429:2004.1 Packaging – Reuse or an equivalent standard. | |||||
| Returnable crates for increased circularity | Advanced | Technical specification | Fruit | ||
Criterion information The use of returnable crates minimises the prevalence of single-use packaging whilst simultaneously allowing for simpler and more efficient handling in the goods flow. On the advanced level, returnable crates shall be used throughout the value chain to contribute towards a transition to circular solutions. Other relevant product groups can be included on agreement with the supplier. Criterion text Processed products made from fruit and vegetables, such as fresh, chilled vegetables and root vegetables/potatoes that are peeled, washed and chopped, and precooked products shall be delivered in a returnable crate throughout the value chain from the primary producer/processing plant to the kitchen; that is, the products shall be delivered in reusable packaging that is designed to be reused via a reuse system during its lifecycle in accordance with SS-EN 13429:2004.1 Packaging – Reuse or an equivalent standard. | |||||
| EU-organic product | Core | Technical specification | Vegetables | ||
Criterion information Organic production promotes sustainable agriculture. Organic farming should respect nature's ecosystems and different natural cycles, and strive to maintain and improve the quality of soil, water, plant health and the health of animals. The balance between all elements is to be maintained and preferably improved. Criterion text Food products must be produced in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council on organic production and labelling of organic products. | |||||
| Organic product - addition fruit and vegetables | Advanced | Technical specification | Vegetables | ||
Criterion information Organic farming should respect nature's ecosystems and different natural cycles, and strive to improve the quality of soil, water and plant health. Through further requirements regarding energy use, the climate impact of production can be reduced. Criterion text Raw materials of fruit, berries and vegetables grown in greenhouses, shall be produced in accordance with regulation (EU)2018/848 on organic production and labelling of organic products as well as in accordance with at least one of the following requirements: Either:
or:
| |||||
| Information about origin of the raw material – plant products | Core | Technical specification | Vegetables | ||
Criterion information Transparency and traceability within the food supply chain is a prerequisite to being able to monitor both environmental requirements and social requirements within the supply chain. A requirement for information regarding the origin of raw material, along with the possibility for monitoring, ensures traceability for the contracting organisation. Criterion text For food products from vegetable raw material, information regarding the country(ies) of origin of the material(s) shall be available and can be presented upon request during the contract period, including any substitute items. Information regarding the raw material's country(ies) of origin shall contain:
| |||||
| GMO-free products - fruit and vegetables | Core | Technical specification | Vegetables | ||
Criterion information Procuring authorities that have taken a stance against GMOs may consider requesting this. The environmental impact from genetically modified organisms has not yet been The use of genetically modified organisms (GMO) is not common in food products within the European market, rather they are primarily found in animal feed. Contracting organisations that have taken a stance against GMOs may consider requesting GMO-free products. Criterion text Products containing fruit and vegetables shall not consist of, contain, or have been created from genetically modified organisms (GMO). Traces of authorised GMO1 are permitted under the condition that they are unintentional or technically unavoidable, and that they do not constitute more than 0.9 per cent of each individual raw material in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 on genetically modified food and feed. | |||||
| Post harvest chemical treatment - vegetables | Advanced | Technical specification | Vegetables | ||
Criterion information Post harvest chemical treatment is a plant protection product that can be used to protect against, for example, fungal pathogens, or to prevent germination during storage. The requirement aims to reduce the use of these substances and to limit unnecessary exposure for consumers. Criterion text Chemical plant protection products that are fungicides are not permitted in the treatment of fresh or cooled table potatoes and root vegetables after harvest. For germination-inhibiting treatment of stored table potatoes, only plant protection products that contain the active substances 1,4-Dimethylnaphthalene, orange oil, and spearmint oil may be used. | |||||
| Energy efficiency and renewable electricity | Spearhead | Technical specification | Vegetables | ||
Criterion information By increasing the efficiency of energy use and replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy, the climate impact of cultivating fruit and vegetables can be reduced. Choosing products that have been grown in agreement with such terms is a way of contributing to a lower climate impact. Criterion text Fruit and vegetable products from open-field farming or greenhouse cultivation shall be produced in accordance with the following terms:
| |||||
| Tailored fertilisation - fruit and vegetables | Spearhead | Technical specification | Vegetables | ||
Criterion information The use of phosphorus and nitrogen in agriculture is one of the main causes of eutrophication in rivers, lakes, and seas. Requiring that the amount of fertiliser is tailored to the needs of the cultivation and conditions present can contribute to reducing nutrient leaching and to a lower climate impact. Criterion text In the cultivation of fruit or vegetables, fertiliser shall be applied in a way that reduces the risk of nutrient leaching. The amount of fertiliser shall be tailored to the needs of the cultivation and the conditions present. This means that:
| |||||
| Biodiversity | Spearhead | Technical specification | Vegetables | ||
Criterion information Global food production poses one of the most serious threats to biodiversity. Within agriculture there are good possibilities for working in a systematic way to protect and promote biodiversity, and that is the aim of this requirement. Criterion text Products from fruit and vegetables shall be grown in line with a systematic and documented work method related to biodiversity.
The requirement does not apply to greenhouse cultivation. | |||||
| Socially responsible cultivation | Core | Special contract terms | Vegetables | ||
Criterion information Fruit and vegetables can have global supply chains. Globally there are large challenges connected to working conditions within agriculture. Therefore, it is important to specify requirements that protect workers rights within the agricultural operations from which products are purchased. Criterion text Raw materials consisting of fruit and/or vegetables that are supplied in accordance with the contract shall be cultivated under working conditions compatible with:
| |||||
| Returnable crates | Core | Technical specification | Vegetables | ||
Criterion information The use of returnable crates minimises the use of single-use packaging whilst simultaneously allowing for simpler and more efficient handling in the goods flow. This requirement aims to reduce the amount of single-use packaging within the food sector – cardboard in particular – and thereby contribute to the more efficient use of resources Criterion text Whole fresh fruit and vegetables shall be delivered in returnable boxes from the supplier to the kitchen; that is, the products shall be delivered in reusable packaging that is designed to be reused in a reuse system during its lifecycle in accordance with SS-EN 13429:2004.1 Packaging – Reuse or an equivalent standard. | |||||
| Returnable crates for increased circularity | Advanced | Technical specification | Vegetables | ||
Criterion information The use of returnable crates minimises the prevalence of single-use packaging whilst simultaneously allowing for simpler and more efficient handling in the goods flow. On the advanced level, returnable crates shall be used throughout the value chain to contribute towards a transition to circular solutions. Other relevant product groups can be included on agreement with the supplier. Criterion text Processed products made from fruit and vegetables, such as fresh, chilled vegetables and root vegetables/potatoes that are peeled, washed and chopped, and precooked products shall be delivered in a returnable crate throughout the value chain from the primary producer/processing plant to the kitchen; that is, the products shall be delivered in reusable packaging that is designed to be reused via a reuse system during its lifecycle in accordance with SS-EN 13429:2004.1 Packaging – Reuse or an equivalent standard. | |||||
Fruit, berries and vegetables have a very different environmental impact depending on how and where they are grown and how perishable they are. Coarse, hardy vegetables are often grown outdoors and therefore have a lower climate impact than vegetables grown in greenhouses. Coarse vegetables can also be stored for longer than perishable vegetables such as tomato, lettuce and cucumber.
The biggest climate impact from greenhouse cultivation comes from heating. The fuel used for heating has a direct impact on how much greenhouse gases the production generates. Generally, outdoor cultivation requires less energy compared to greenhouse production, but has a higher energy consumption than traditional agricultural crops.
In recent years, it has been noted that many of the fruits and vegetables consumed in Sweden are grown under poor working conditions. This is particularly true in production in low-cost countries in the southern hemisphere, but also in the production of vegetables in southern Europe. In Sweden, berry picking has attracted attention in recent years due to poor working conditions and low wages, or no payment of salary. Contracting authorities can demand that suppliers ensure that basic working conditions are guaranteed.
Overall, Swedish self-sufficiency in cultivation of fruit and vegetables is about 20%. There are therefore substantial imports of fruit and vegetables to Sweden. However, there are significant differences depending on the product. For example, for carrots self-supply is about 90% while some products, such as bananas and citrus fruits, cannot be grown in Sweden.
Use the criterion or criteria which best suits your organization’s needs, goals and capacity to monitor compliance. Indicate in the document specifically which products are to fulfil the requirement and be sure to inform yourself of market access. It is also important to state how the tenderer should respond to the criteria and what verification (means of evidence) is to be provided.