Central government has announced that, from 2017, it will buy ‘fresh, locally sourced, seasonal food’ in a bid to ‘back British businesses’.

In her first move as Environment Minister, Liz Truss (along with Prime Minister David Cameron) announced that by launching a new, simplified food and drink buying standard, ‘The Plan for Public Procurement’, central government could spend up to £200 million of the £1.2 billion the public sector spends every year on food and drink on British produce.

In addition, the wider public sector will be encouraged and supported in using the new framework with the expectation that all schools and hospitals will, in future, serve more resource efficient foods, including locally-reared meats and freshly-picked fruit and vegetables.

It is estimated that these bodies could offer a further £200 million worth of contracts to British farmers and companies.

The Plan for Public Procurement

As part of the plan, government and public-sector buyers will now judge potential suppliers against five key criteria:

• how food is produced and whether the food was produced locally;
• the health and nutritional content of food purchased;
• the resource efficiency of producing the food, such as water and energy use and waste production;
• how far the food bought meets government’s socio-economic priorities such as involvement of SMES (small and medium enterprises); and
• quality of service and value for money.

The new system will also see government put in place a new buying process from September, centred around an online portal.

Companies that register on this portal (and meet the requirements of the plan’s key criteria) will automatically be alerted when any eligible contracts come up for tender, which they can then apply for.

‘Driving growth and reducing waste’

Speaking of the decision, Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said: “This move will mean that food served in canteens across the public sector can be more local, seasonal and tastier.

“It will help drive growth in Britain’s first-class food and drink industry and benefit the environment through reduced waste, higher take-up of meals and less unappetising food left on plates.

“This is a huge boost to British farmers and producers and for students, patients and employees who want to enjoy fantastic food.”

Prime Minister David Cameron added: “By opening up these contracts [to British farmers], we can help them create more jobs, invest in their businesses and make sure people in our country have a healthier lifestyle.

“It’s a triple win – and will mean a brighter future for our country.”

Find out more about the Plan for Public Procurement.