The government has announced plans to review the way it purchases food and catering services and aims to focus on environmental impact , freshness and animal welfare ahead of price.
Food and farming minister Lord Whitty announced the review that includes schools, hospitals, prisons and local authorities in England.
The move has been welcomed by the NFU. President Sir Ben Gill said: “This is a tremendous opportunity for UK farmers to supply UK public sector bodies. For too long, government and its agencies have focused on the lowest possible price.”
Sir Ben added that it will be important that the whole chain from government departments, food service companies, processors and producers work together if benefits are to be achieved.