Póvoa de Lanhoso and Coimbra join Portugal’s Plant Based Treaty movement

Portugal is seeing growing support for sustainable food policies, with Póvoa de Lanhoso and Coimbra becoming the latest local authorities to endorse the Plant Based Treaty.

The two municipalities join Braga, Tavira and Lisbon’s Arroios Parish, creating a growing network of Portuguese communities supporting a transition towards more sustainable and plant-based food systems.

The endorsements reflect increasing recognition that food policy can play an important role in tackling climate change, protecting biodiversity, improving public health.

By endorsing the Plant Based Treaty, local authorities are backing efforts to rethink food systems and make healthier, sustainable and plant-based choices more accessible to their communities.

Noel Santos, Portugal campaign representative for the Plant Based Treaty, said the growing number of endorsements demonstrates that food is becoming an increasingly important part of local climate strategies.

“The growing engagement shows that the food system is becoming an increasingly important part of local climate and sustainability strategies,” Santos said. “Póvoa de Lanhoso and Coimbra add further momentum to a movement that is already taking shape across Portugal.”

Póvoa de Lanhoso Puts Policy Into Practice

Póvoa de Lanhoso is pairing its endorsement with practical measures to bring sustainable food into municipal life.

The commitment was marked during a public signing event as part of the municipality’s Environment Week ’26. Among the measures being introduced is the introduction of plant-based meals in municipal canteens, with two days each month offering a 100% plant-based option.

The municipality is also providing training for nutrition professionals and local social institutions, while workshops, showcookings and educational activities aim to increase awareness of sustainable food.

Community gardens and local production are also being encouraged, strengthening connections between food, biodiversity, the land and residents.

Coimbra Brings the Conversation to the Market

In Coimbra, the endorsement was marked at the D. Pedro V Municipal Market, linking the Treaty with sustainable food and local commerce.

Plant-based cooking and tasting activities demonstrated how more sustainable choices can become part of everyday life, highlighting local production, responsible consumption and shorter food supply chains.

The Plant Based Treaty Portugal team is in discussions with other municipalities interested in joining the movement across Portugal.

With five Portuguese local authorities now on board, the country is demonstrating how food policy can become part of climate action at a local level.

From municipal canteens and public markets to community gardens and food education, these initiatives show how local decisions can contribute to wider environmental goals.

As municipalities continue to reconsider their food systems, Portugal’s growing movement could signal a significant shift towards healthier, sustainable communities for the future.