As part of the RegioWertgeben project, a comprehensive status-quo report was published that analyzes the current situation regarding the use of bioregional vegetables in institutional food service in the pilot regions of North Hesse and Ludwigsburg-Stuttgart. The report is based on a literature and database analysis, interviews with 23 experts, an online survey of producers and institutional food service providers, and a market analysis.
The study shows that the integration of bio-regional vegetables into institutional food service is subject to certain food safety regulations, EU procurement guidelines, and certification requirements. The new nationwide Organic Foodservice Regulation (Bio-AHVV) creates new labeling options. While Northern Hesse is characterized by smaller farms and limited processing capacity, the Ludwigsburg-Stuttgart region is distinguished by fertile soils and a dense infrastructure. Both regions still show great potential for development—particularly through better coordination of production, processing, and procurement. Interviews with experts make it clear: a lack of processing and logistics structures, insufficient predictability, and economic hurdles complicate the use of organic, regionally sourced vegetables in institutional kitchens. At the same time, there is a high degree of openness toward long-term supply relationships and networking. In both regions, there is strong demand for sustainable food options—particularly in daycare centers, schools, and hospitals, and increasingly in corporate catering. Policy targets, such as the 40% organic quota in state-run cafeterias in Baden-Württemberg, as well as consumers’ potential willingness to pay more, support market development. Recommended practical measures include the establishment of regional logistics and consolidation structures, long-term cultivation contracts, targeted educational programs, and flexible menu planning. The commitment of key stakeholders in the kitchen, purchasing, and administration is also crucial to success. The full report is available for download on the project website.
RegioWertGeBen is a collaborative project coordinated by the IfLS, together with two departments at Justus Liebig University Giessen and the Center for Organic Agriculture at the University of Kassel. The cooperation partner is the Ludwigsburg-Stuttgart Organic Model Region. The project runs from 2024 to 2027 and is funded by the Federal Program for Organic Agriculture of the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food.
Contact person at IfLS: Carla Wember (wember[at]ifls.de)
