On Wednesday, the Seimas Committee approved a proposal initiated by members of the Democratic Party 'For Lithuania', Tomo Tomilinas and Kęstutis Mažeika, to reduce VAT on certain food items. The committee members unanimously agreed, suggesting that this tax relief would encourage people to opt for healthier diets by increasing the availability of fruits, vegetables, and organic products in households. Kęstutis Mažeika emphasized the importance of having more local produce in the diets of citizens, pointing out current instances where children in kindergartens are served products not sourced from Lithuania, particularly Polish cheese.

Mažeika further proposed that the VAT reduction should extend to organic products used in food preparation for state-funded kindergartens, general education schools, vocational training institutions, universities, healthcare facilities, social care institutions, and defense organizations. He presented this idea as a way not just to benefit public health by promoting the consumption of nutritious foods but also as a means to support local agriculture and create new job opportunities. This initiative aligns with a broader trend in Lithuania aimed at enhancing food sovereignty and ensuring that local farmers receive the support they need to thrive.

As discussions around the proposal continue, it highlights the growing recognition of the importance of local produce and organic farming in Lithuania. If implemented, this measure could serve as a significant step towards encouraging better eating habits among the population and fostering a stronger economy rooted in local agriculture, potentially shifting dietary practices in schools and public institutions away from imported goods.