Research begins into public procurement of British food

Potential opportunities for locally produced food to be served in hospitals and schools in the south-west of England are being explored in a major new study.

Researchers want to learn which food products public institutions such as hospitals and schools in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset buy, and in what form they prefer to buy that food.

To match up possible local supply, farmers and food producers are being interviewed to establish what is produced in the region.

See also: Food security debate balancing imports v self-sufficiency

The UK government has previously resisted calls to get more domestically produced food into public institutions, insisting EU rules prevented public bodies stipulating a choice for domestic supply.

But Brexit has removed that barrier and farming organisations like the NFU are pressing the government to move forward on this.

The NFU is a partner in the new study, joining forces with Devon and Somerset County Councils, the Heart of the South West local enterprise partnership and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly local enterprise partnership.

Professor Matt Lobley, of the University of Exeter’s Centre for Rural Policy Research, who is leading the research, hopes it will lead to reduced food miles, better deals for farmers and more local food bought and consumed.

The research will also consider if new investments are needed, such as food processing plants, to reduce the amount of produce shipped out of the region.  

NFU South West regional director Melanie Squires said there is anecdotal evidence from farmers and food processors of a desire to expand their market by supplying the public sector, but that there are barriers. 

“This research will help to uncover those barriers, real or perceived, and make genuine recommendations for future investment or policy change that could open up the public sector for smaller food businesses too,’’ she said.