Farmers and food producers across the South West are invited to get the low-down on how they can supply the public sector in a series of free workshops taking place later this month.

ADAS has organised the workshops, taking place in Dorset at The Langton Arms, Tarrant Monkton on April 29 and at Kingston Maurward College in Dorchester on May 13, to 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.

All food producers are welcome to attend the events - 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.

“Often producers are aware that public sector organisations may be interested in the opportunities for sourcing locally but don't know how they can go about securing the contracts. These workshops will arm them with the necessary “know-how” to tap into existing supply chains and also directly supply the public sector.”

Speakers at the events 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.

Topics