Public sector can help support our farmers
Schools, hospitals and care homes must give producers a boost, says Alexia Robinson, Founder of Love British Food
IF there has been one positive development to come out of this dreadful past year, it is the recognition that many previously unsung heroes in our communities have received. All due respect to footballers and pop-stars, but I think there has been a welcome shift in where the public’s admiration has gone in the last 12 months.
One group who’s efforts have gone largely unnoticed however is our farmers and producers. In spring last year there were genuine fears that our food supply chains could collapse which led to ugly scenes of panic-buying in supermarkets across the country. Apart from a few missing rolls of toilet paper those fears thankfully never materialised partly due to the tireless work of our farmers, producers and other dedicated workers in the industry.
Covid-19 has demonstrated to us the need for robust local supply chains. Nobody is suggesting that we can become 100% self-reliant, but increasing our food security has to become more of a priority moving forwards.
So what is Government doing to solve this? There is one simple way which would benefit thousands of local businesses across the country – encourage the public sector to buy locally sourced food. What a boost it would be for farmers and producers in the South West if local schools, hospitals, care homes and other public institutions made a concerted effort to buy British. The high quality produce that is produced in this part of the country should be enjoyed by our school children and hospital patients.
Love British Food recently organised an open letter to be sent to the Prime Minister signed by leaders from across public sector catering. The subject was debated just last week in the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee in Parliament with MPs from all parties demanding that more must be done. Understandably efforts have been put back by the pandemic, but that can’t slow our progress forever.
A booming British food and farm industry would transform local communities up and down the country, nowhere more so than in the South West where farming plays such a crucial role in the regional economy. The food tastes great, it boosts the local economy and it’s good for the environment – what’s not to like?
What I find so frustrating is decisionmakers can talk the talk, but they never walk the walk. Wearing a ‘I’m backing British farmers’ badge means nothing if we are not willing to put more effort into supporting them. Across Europe they are flexible and pragmatic about how they support their local producers, why can’t we do the same?
Public sector procurement is complex. Let’s simplify the process and educate those small and medium sized suppliers on how to apply whilst also pressing schools, hospitals and other institutions to buy local where possible.
For Government the benefits are obvious, stimulating local economies will have a hugely beneficial knock-on effect.
I grew up in Dorset, surrounded by dedicated farmers who take such good care of the stunning countryside we all take for granted. I passionately believe that now is the right time for the Government to do the right thing and put in place a public procurement system which will properly support them. Our message to Boris Johnson is: Let us Love British!