Farmers, growers, processors and wholesalers from across the country will meet major food service companies and their suppliers at a conference and workshop set up by Defra to help those interested in supplying food to schools, hospitals and the rest of the public sector.

Aramark, Compass, Sodexho and the National Farmers’ Union are among those supporting the event.

Defra's Public Sector Food Procurement Initiative, led by food and farming minister Larry Whitty, aims to encourage the public sector to spend itsannual £1.8billion catering budget more in line with government objectives for health and nutrition, sustainability and environmental concerns.

The initiative is designed to give farmers and other producers an opportunity to compete for public sector contracts.

The event, on Monday March 7, at 1 Great George Street, Westminster, London, is free for producers and food suppliers.

It offers the chance to learn what the Public Sector Food Procurement Initiative means for your business, take advantage of the opportunities it affords, and to understand public sector and food service companies' requirements.