Environmental consultancy ADAS has organised a free workshop on how farmers and food producers across the south west can supply the public sector this month.
The workshop, which is taking place at 2pm at Kingston Maurward College in Dorchester on May 13, will outline the opportunities for producers to supply local food directly to schools and hospitals or link into an existing supply network.
Attendees will also learn the commercial benefits of supplying the public sector, as well as the requirements, and potential routes to market. And examples of local and regional public sector supply chains will be provided.
All food producers are welcome to attend the event - from farmers producing meat, milk, fruit and vegetables, to specialist manufacturers of food products such as ice cream or cheese.
Mark Holmes, ADAS sustainable food consultant, said: “Local food procurement is becoming increasingly important. Not only are consumers and businesses seeking to reduce the environmental footprint of their everyday commodities, but the increasingly poor reliability and rising cost of imported foods is raising significant questions about their long-term viability. Local sourcing not only offers long-term sustainability and reliability of supply, but also supports local economies and local people.”
Speakers at the event will include Alan Pavey, contracts and partnerships manager with Dorset County Council, Tim Crabtree of Local Food Links Ltd, Judith Ward of South West Food and Drink and Roy Heath sustainable food development manager for Cornwall Hospitals.
The event will offer food producers the opportunity to network with public sector procurers, catering managers and existing supply networks, and will conclude with a buffet of locally sourced food.
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