Spreading the word on 'buying local' - A video by the 'Farm to Plate' Project (Hampshire County Council)

Hampshire County Council is helping to put more local produce on the public sector plate by encouraging other councils to follow its lead in buying local.

The County Council’s ‘Farm to Plate’ project has received national recognition from the Commission for Rural Communities and is being used by them as a case study on economic wellbeing.

To spread the word further the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) awarded the County Council funding to produce an educational film that would help other public sector organisations overcome some of the perceived barriers to sourcing locally, such as price, distribution and volume.

The documentary outlines the story of Hampshire’s success through collaboration between County Council buyers and caterers, county food group Hampshire Fare, local producers and food distributors.

Councillor Ken Thornber, Leader of Hampshire County Council, said: “The Public Sector is a large consumer of food products and can provide significant support for local farmers and the local economy by buying more local produce.

“Our experience shows that it may take time but the barriers can be overcome. We have found that it is not costing us any more to reap the benefits of healthy, seasonal, locally sourced food on the menus of schools, residential homes and visitor attractions. I hope that we can encourage other public bodies to follow our lead and put more local produce on their plates.”

On viewing the film, Tony Goodger, Trade Sector Manager – Foodservice, BPEX (a division of the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board) said: “It is excellent and very inspiring for producers to get involved in supplying, as well as being motivating for other local authorities and universities to do something.”

A hard copy on DVD from Tim Brock at Hampshire Fare on 01962 845999, tim.brock@hants.gov.uk.