The Greater London Authority (GLA) Group’s vow to include sustainability requirements as part of its catering contracts from 2012 is a step forward in creating a lasting Olympic food legacy, according to the National Farmers’ Union.
Mayor Boris Johnson has announced plans to use the Red Tractor scheme as a minimum standard for farm produce, as well as a range of other commitments for livestock, poultry and eggs, fish and other products. He hopes the Sustainable Food Procurement Commitment will encourage other large organisations to ensure they source British produce.
The head of the NFU’s food chain unit Lee Woodger said: “The mayor’s commitment to creating a lasting Olympic food legacy for 2012 is a positive step for the industry and we hope other public authorities will follow his lead in introducing similar procurement policies which will use Red Tractor as a minimum standard for its farm produce.”
Richard Cattell, head of marketing at Red Tractor Assurance, said: “We are delighted that Red Tractor has been announced as the benchmark for food quality assurance as part of the GLA Group’s future procurement strategy. It’s important that our public services can trust that their food has come from traceable and responsible sources so we at Red Tractor are proud to be chosen as the means to guarantee this commitment for years to come.”
The GLA Group includes the London Fire Brigade, Metropolitan Police and Transport for London. It will apply to all contracts by 2012 and any further contracts which are due for renewal after that.
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