Increasing opportunities for local food producers to access the enormous market represented by public sector supply chains will require a “culture change,” according to the report commissioned by the South West NFU, Devon and Somerset County Councils, the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP.

The report follows a research project conducted by the University of Exeter, which sought to understand South West’s food supply chains and the interaction between producers and those involved in food storage and processing, large wholesalers, and public sector organisations.

More knowledge of supply chains

Researchers analysed the food that public institutions, such as hospitals and schools, buy and in what form – for example, pre-prepared – and how frequently. They also interviewed farmers and food producers.

It concluded that a greater knowledge of food supply chains, training catering staff, managers, and chefs to use seasonal produce and making all public sector organisations adopt a ‘regional mission statement’, committing them to local food procurement would improve opportunities for farmers and food producers.

Barriers to using local food

But the report identified significant barriers to increasing the use of local food supplies, including increased administration costs in dealing with multiple suppliers, producers not having enough capacity to meet demand, a need for consistency of supply and a perception that seasonal availability means reduced choice.

To address these issues, the report also recommends:

• Tenders put out by the public sector should be more accessible to local producers and suppliers
• Tendering processes should be streamlined
• Contracts should be split into smaller lots, to encourage regional food businesses
• Buyers should better accommodate the payment and delivery terms of regional producers
• More engagement with regional producers and suppliers to explain how tenders will be evaluated
• Investment in farmer cooperatives, supply chain collaboration, regional processing units and distribution centres

Culture change needed

The research was led by Professor Matt Lobley at the University of Exeter’s Centre for Rural Policy Research, who said: “There needs to be a culture change, within and between, public organisations in the South West.

“We hope our recommendations will be taken up by the public sector in the region, so the area can be a test bed for potential national change. We will share findings with the government and campaign for positive changes, and seek their help to lead this agenda proactively.

“We believe these changes will improve the food system for people, place and planet.”

Potential benefits for all

Melanie Squires, South West NFU regional director said: “Our family farms and local food supply chains are facing a great period of uncertainty and change, therefore any opportunity to produce for their communities, and contribute more sustainability on all fronts (including net zero), has to be an ambition for us all.

“Through this report, we hope to see greater ambition, collaboration and delivery to really maximise the potential benefits for all – our consumers, economy, farming and food producers.”

The Heart of the South West LEP has endorsed the report’s recommendations.

Chair Karl Tucker said: “The Heart of the South West is home to a large number of the UK’s food producers and farming businesses. By increasing awareness of local food supply chains and by understanding the food requirements of the public sector, we can join up both elements of this market.

“This will enable public sector decision makers to set targets to support local businesses, helping to drive our regional economy and new employment, which is vital for the future of rural communities, farming and the levelling up agenda.”

Download PDF version of the full report below.