Meeting will focus on public food procurement

The NFU regional livestock board, which is open to all union farmer and grower members, will meet at the regional office, Agriculture House, Telford, on May 15.

The meeting ‘Public Procurement – Standing up for British farmers’ will welcome industry specialists to discuss the issue and the union’s lobbying work to get more British food on to the menu in Parliament, hospitals and elsewhere in the public sector.

Lorna Hegenbarth, NFU food chain adviser, will talk to the meeting about what public procurement in this country involves, Government thinking and direction.

Jonathan Evans, NFU regional livestock lead, said: “We are delighted to welcome Lorna to the livestock board and she will speak about the union’s work on behalf of its farmer and grower members and the need to put more British food on more British plates.

“She is keen to hear from Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire farmers and will take questions.

“I would urge farmers to come along at 12.30pm and share their views and we will also discuss the latest sector news and industry developments.

“Brexit is likely to be on the agenda and we have just held consultation meetings attended by hundreds of farmers and industry representatives keen to have a say and feed in their thoughts.

“This is a unique and historic opportunity to make sure British farming, food production and the iconic countryside thrives, not just survives.

“There’s never been a better time to be represented by the NFU and we are keen to hear more farmer views on what is essential for their businesses.”

Richard Yates, of Middleton Scriven, near Bridgnorth, NFU West Midlands livestock board chairman, said he was keen to see improved public procurement across the country and the promotion of tasty, affordable, traceable British produce.

He said: “I want to build on the work I have done previously, promoting the provenance and value of British meat.

“I would like to see more British food across the public sector, for our troops, in hospitals and schools and we need to see our politicians placing their trust in British food which is produced to some of the highest standards in the world.

“Farming is the bedrock of the food and drink industry - the UK’s largest manufacturing sector– worth £112 billion and providing jobs for more than 3.9 million people.

“Farmers and growers across Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire are part of that success story.”

Mr Yates, who has sheep, cattle and a dairy herd as well as arable and cereal interests said he would encourage fellow farmers to attend the board meeting and take part in the discussion.

Members will also have the opportunity to hear from AHDB Beef & Lamb representatives on markets and John Royle, chief livestock adviser, will discuss beef and sheep sector news.

For further details or to book contact the NFU regional office on 01952 400500 or west.midlands@nfu.org.uk by email.