Written question asked by Lord Beaumont of Whitley (Green Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Bach (Labour) on Monday, 6 June 2005.

Public Sector Food Procurement Initiative

Question: When and by what means, they intend to introduce an explicit policy for schools, hospitals and government offices to consider local sourcing of fresh food produce, outlined in the Labour Party's election manifesto.

Answer: The manifesto commitment to consider local sourcing of fresh produce reinforces the Public Sector Food Procurement Initiative (PSFPI), which has been under-way for nearly two years. Two key objectives of the PSFI are (i) to increase the opportunities for small local producers and suppliers to tender for contracts for the supply of food and (ii) to increase the capacity of local suppliers to meet demand. Public sector contracting authorities are encouraged to specify more fresh food as a way of increasing opportunities for local producers and promoting the consumption of more nutritious food. Advice is given on the PSFPI website at www.defra.gov.uk/farm/sustain/procurement/regions.htm. Defra is working with other public sector organisations, including the Department for Health and Department for Education and Skills, to implement and monitor the PSFPI. An updated communications strategy, planned for June 2005, will help to convey the key messages to those who influence the food procurement activities in schools, hospitals, government offices and other public bodies.

Secondary information