A press release sent out today stated that the wider public sector will be encouraged to use the new buying framework “with the expectation that all schools and hospitals will, in future, serve more locally reared meats and freshly picked fruit and vegetables.”
It also says that the public sector in England spends £1.2 billion every year on food and drink; of the £600 million that is spent on imported produce, £400 million could be sourced from within the UK.
The new buying standard, it adds, could mean that £200m of the £400m will be produced by British farmers.
Prime minister David Cameron said: “Our long-term economic plan is all about backing the do-ers and the hard-workers – and no one does more or works as hard in Britain today than our farmers. By opening up these contracts, we can help them create more jobs, invest in their businesses and make sure people in our country have a healthier lifestyle.
“It’s a triple win – and will mean a brighter future for our country.”
New environment secretary Elizabeth Truss (pictured with Defra perm sec Bronwyn Hill) added: “This move will mean that food served in canteens across the public sector can be more local, seasonal and tastier.
“It will help drive growth in Britain’s first class food and drink industry and benefit the environment through reduced waste, higher take-up of meals and less unappetising food left on plates.
“This is a huge boost to British farmers and producers, and for students, patients and employees who want to enjoy fantastic food.”
Under the new guidelines, public sector buyers will now judge potential suppliers against five key criteria: how food is produced and whether the food was produced locally; the health and nutritional content of food purchased; the resource efficiency of producing the food, such as water and energy use and waste production; how far the food bought meets government’s socio-economic priorities such as involvement of SMEs; and quality of service and value for money.