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Get your free copy22 July 2014, 12:24 PM
- A new standard has been announced by Prime Minister David Cameron and new Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss in order to benefit rural businesses and the British food industry as a whole
The ‘Plan for Public Procurement’ has been launched to ensure that by 2017, all local food will be available to buy locally, therefore benefiting farmers, rural economies, local businesses and the British public.
A recent report has claimed that Britons spend £1.2 billion on food each year, £600 million of which is imported. £400 million of this can be sourced from the UK, therefore supporting British producers and saving air miles.
David Cameron, PM 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.”
Minette Batters, deputy president of NFU said the plan demonstrates “a significant step in the right direction… That aim, to grow the amount of locally sourced food and drink, chimes with our own wider aspiration of growing the British farming industry.”
