‘Local food’ for schools and hospitals

In a speech to the Local Government Association’s rural conference this morning, Owen Paterson will call for all public officials to help make a “significant dent” in the proportion of food the country brings in from abroad.

Mr Paterson has made boosting the rural economy a personal priority since being handed the Environment brief a year ago, and will make clear today that all parts of Government have a part to play.

“As well as promoting exports, we need to make a significant dent in the 22 per cent of food that’s imported but could be produced here,” he is expected to say.

“Businesses alone won’t make a big enough impact – we in Government need to play our part. The Government has set public procurement standards for food.

“Imagine the impact if every school, care home and leisure centre were buying from their local area.”