THE public sector is to buy up to an extra £400 million of locally-sourced food and drink a year.

The announcement was made on Monday by Prime Minister David Cameron and new environment secretary, Elizabeth Truss, while they visited the Royal Welsh Show.

Mr Cameron said that from 2017 central government would commit to buying “locallysourced”

fresh and seasonal produce whenever possible.

A new simplified food and drink buying standard should benefit thousands of British farmers, small businesses, rural economies – and the public.

All schools, hospitals and the wider public sector will be expected to follow suit, serving more locally-reared meats and freshly-picked fruit and vegetables.

The public sector in England spends £1.2 billion a year on food and drink – of the £600 million spent on imported produce, £400 million could be sourced from within the UK.

Mr Cameron said: “Our longterm economic plan is all about backing the do-ers and the hard-workers.

“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.”

Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said: “This is a huge boost to British farmers and producers and for students, patients and employees who want to enjoy fantastic food.”

Public sector buyers will judge potential suppliers against five key criteria:

  • how the food is produced and whether it is produced locally;
  • its health and nutritional content;
  • the resource efficiency of producing the food, such as water and energy use and waste production l how far the food meets government’s socio-economic priorities such as involvement of small and medium enterprises (SMEs);
  • quality of service and value for money.

From September, the government will introduce a new buying process centred around an online portal. Companies, which register and meet its requirements, will receive automatic alerts when eligible contracts come up for tender – they can then apply in just a few clicks.

Mr Cameron’s announcement followed Dr Peter Bonfield’s Review into public produce procurement, which was commissioned by Defra last year. It has already received support from across government and the farming and food sector, including the National Farmers’ Union, the Food and Drink Federation, and major catering companies like Compass and Baxter Storey who supply the public sector.

Dr Bonfield said: “I want this work to change how every public institution views the food it buys. We have had a great deal of support from schools, hospitals, businesses, caterers, and farmers, all keen to be a part of this exciting new approach.

“The appetite for change is there – by creating the right environment and giving organisations the right tools, small businesses will be able to sell nutritious, top quality food to the public sector market. This is the right approach for our health, our environment and also British businesses.”