{"id":45312,"date":"2014-07-21T07:07:00","date_gmt":"2014-07-21T07:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?guid=51b9da1ce914fa26a91b5d0c7165fadb"},"modified":"2014-07-21T12:25:25","modified_gmt":"2014-07-21T12:25:25","slug":"news-story-multi-million-pound-boost-for-british-food-industry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?p=45312","title":{"rendered":"Press release: PM announces multi-million pound boost for British food industry"},"content":{"rendered":"

Updated:<\/em> Added links to Report and other published documents.<\/p>\n

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\u00a3400 million of potential new business for the British food industry was announced today (21 July) by Prime Minister David Cameron and Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss, as part of the government\u2019s long-term economic plan to back British businesses.<\/p>\n

The Prime Minister, who will today meet farmers and businesses at the Royal Welsh Show, announced that from 2017, all of central government will commit to buying fresh, locally sourced, seasonal food, so that all food that can be bought locally will be bought locally. This will be done through a new, simplified food and drink buying standard, \u2018The Plan for Public Procurement\u2019, which was launched today to benefit thousands of British farmers, small businesses, rural economies and the British public. <\/p>\n

The public sector in England spends \u00a31.2 billion every year on food and drink. Up to \u00a3600 million of that is spent on imported produce, \u00a3400 million of which could be sourced from within the UK. The commitment from central government to use this new buying standard means that just over half of the \u00a3400 million will be up for grabs by British farmers. <\/p>\n

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 locally reared meats and freshly picked fruit and vegetables.<\/p>\n

Prime Minister David Cameron said:<\/h3>\n
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Our long-term economic plan is all about backing the do-ers and the hard-workers \u2013 and no one does more or works as hard in Wales and the rest of Britain today than our farmers.<\/p>\n

By opening up these contracts, we can help them create more jobs, invest in their businesses and make sure people in Wales have a healthier lifestyle. It\u2019s a triple win \u2013 and will mean a brighter future for our country.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Secretary of State for Wales Stephen Crabb said:<\/h3>\n
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Today\u2019s announcement by the Prime Minister further strengthens our commitment to our farmers.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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As the new Welsh Secretary I\u2019m absolutely clear that providing support to local communities in rural Wales is critical. That\u2019s why this government is backing businesses and hardworking families across Wales by reducing energy costs, lowering job taxes and freezing fuel duty to encourage job creation, boost growth and raise living standards in the Welsh rural economy.<\/p>\n

Of course there\u2019s still more to do. But only by sticking to our long term economic plan will we build a more resilient economy across all parts of Wales and the UK.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said:<\/h3>\n
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This move will mean that food served in canteens across the public sector can be more local, seasonal and tastier.<\/p>\n

It will help drive growth in Britain\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

This is a huge boost to British farmers and producers and for students, patients and employees who want to enjoy fantastic food.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Public sector buyers will now judge potential suppliers against five key criteria:<\/p>\n