Suffolk Council votes to support local beef and dairy farmers

Suffolk County Council has become the latest local authority to agree that all its future catering should be sourced from local farmers, also committing to always include meat and dairy options alongside plant-based produce.

And, in line with a motion presented by the deputy leader of the Conservative-run council, Richard Rout, councillors agreed to actively encourage Suffolk residents to shop locally.

See also: 8 common misconceptions about British farming and the environment

This makes it the third council in a matter of months to defy the vegan trend, after Cornwall and North Northamptonshire councils voted to keep meat and dairy on their menus too.

The motion was backed by 53 Suffolk councillors out of 75 at a meeting of the full council on Thursday 19 October, with three Green councillors abstaining.

This contrasts with the decision taken by Oxfordshire County Council in 2021 to ban meat and dairy at its events.

Cambridge City Council is also set to transition to fully plant-based catering for council meetings by 2026, while three other councils – Edinburgh, Norwich City and Haywards Heath – have signed the “Plant-Based Treaty” which aims to block any future livestock farms and push plant-based food in schools and hospitals.

‘Delighted’

Commenting on the Suffolk County Council verdict, Cllr Rout said: “I’m delighted that this motion passed today, but it is disappointing that three Green councillors felt unable to support it.

“Coming from a farming family, I know first-hand just how hard our farmers and growers work to feed and sustain our nation.

“This motion not only commits us to doubling down on our support for local farmers, but also ensures dietary choice at all our events, keeping meat and dairy firmly on the table alongside plant-based options.”

The Countryside Alliance rural campaign group also praised the decision.

Mo Metcalf-Fisher, director of external affairs for the organisation, said: “Red meat produced in the UK is among the most sustainable in the world.

“It makes every bit of sense for local authorities to encourage the public to play their part in fighting climate change by sourcing seasonal and sustainable produce from local farmers and growers – irrespective of whether it’s meat or vegetables.

“We hope all political parties support this motion. The countryside is watching.”