Boosting public sector food contracts going to British firms among government's new farming reforms

The government said it will monitor food currently bought in the public sector and where it is bought from as a way to increase the number of British businesses and farmers getting a share of the £5 billion spent each year on public sector catering contracts.

Speaking at the Oxford Farming Conference, environment secretary Steve Reed said it is "the first time" the government has monitored contracts that way.

Labour's general election manifesto included a commitment for 50% of food in public sector settings, such as hospitals, army bases and prisons, to be local or produced to high environmental standards.

The move to monitor food contracts is one of several reforms announced today as part of the government's "new deal for farmers".

Other changes are making it quicker for farmers to build buildings, barns and other infrastructure to boost food production, helping farmers make additional money from selling surplus energy from solar panels and wind turbines, boosting profitability through fair competition across the supply chain, and protecting farmers in trade deals.

Steve Reed said:

"We will work in partnership to achieve our vision for the farming sector.

"First, a sector whose primary purpose is food production. Secondly, a sector where farmers can access diverse income streams to make a fair profit and ensure their business remains viable in times of challenge.

"And thirdly, a sector which supports farmers to restore nature, the foundations of sustainable food production.

"It is only through pursuing all three that we will achieve long-term food security."

The government said it will be publish a "25-year farming roadmap" later this year which will "involve government and farmers working together to identify solutions to challenges and ensure government support is in place to enable farmers to take the actions that will let their businesses succeed".

In other moves to reform procurement, the Procurement Act 2023 comes into force on 24 February. It will introduce several reforms including reducing red tape so more small businesses and social enterprises can compete for and win public sector contracts.

In addition, Labour MP Sarah Champion has introduced to Parliament a Bill aimed at awarding more public sector contracts to British businesses, including farmers, manufacturers and small firms.