Mark Garnier MP is urging local schools and hospitals to source produce locally
The Government has announced a new initiative which could see £400 million of new business for British farmers and food producers. The ‘Plan for Public Procurement’, announced by the Prime Minister and Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss this week, will introduce a new, simplified food and drink buying standard.
From 2017, all of central government will commit to buying fresh, locally sourced, seasonal food. The wider public sector will be encouraged and supported in using the new framework with the expectation that all schools and hospitals will serve more locally reared meats and freshly picked fruit and vegetables.
Mark Garnier said “This is a fantastic initiative which could be hugely beneficial to British farmers and food producers. The public sector spends £600 million on imported produce of which there is a potential for £400 million to be produced by British producers.
This could be great news for farmers across Worcestershire and I would encourage all local organisations and schools to back this project. Not only will they be supporting British farmers but they will benefit from locally provided high quality food.”