The Italian region of Veneto has achieved a world first with the introduction of a law governing the sale of so-called 'zero kilometre' foods.
The ruling has been hailed as a highly innovative move by national farmers' organisation Coldiretti, which pushed for the law to be introduced with the backing of many companies in the region.
For the first time anywhere in the world, the new regulation sets out a definition of 'zero km', identifying precise and necessary characteristics including: seasonality, environmental sustainability, organoleptic quality and a link with culinary tradition.
The new regulation will reportedly enable local authorities to promote local produce more effectively, favouring the sale and consumption of locally produced items sold through retail and foodservice outlets in the region.
According to Coldiretti, the aim will also be to ensure that at least 50 per cent of the food served in Veneto's public institutions – schools, hospitals, universities and barracks, for example – are procured from local sources.
'This is a percentage that does not discriminate against products from other regions or abroad, but which values typical, local food and enables consumers to make informed choices that are sustainable in terms of price and have a lesser impact ion the environment,' said a spokesperson for the group.
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