Public Sector Procurement
Public Procurement policy, with its increased emphasis on sustainability, should provide an increasing market opportunity for locally produced products ranging from food and drink to timber. Additional positive benefits are provided in terms of health, environment and the economy.
Extensive research has resulted in an improved understanding of the current status and has informed the development of the region’s Public Sector Food Procurement Project (PSFPP).
It is important to support development of public food procurement and supply in parallel. Collecting data on the supply base across the region remains important. Workshops will support finding public sector contracts, understanding of the procurement process and specific assistance with tendering.
Quality timber for local markets may be a way for the local industry to increase its market share. The need to increase the amount of wood substituted into supply chains to help mitigate against climate change will offer business opportunities to local growers, woodland owners, and the timber and processing industry. Much of the timber used in the UK is imported and the challenge is to use local timber as much as possible, rather than drawing in yet more imports. Traditional craft and coppice based products, such as charcoal, hurdles and thatching spars have a market that could be expanded, albeit from a small base.
Interested in supplying food and drink to schools in your area?
Not sure how to go about it?
In the South West region you can access free advice and support to help you develop links into the local food supply chain for schools, hospitals and care homes in your area.
For groups of farmers support is available through the SW Rural Enterprise Gateway at www.regsw.org.uk - contact your local REG Advisor and ask about the Public Sector Food Procurement Advisory Service. Advice is also available on working collaboratively through the EFFP Share to Supply scheme.
Workshops and events are planned throughout the region over the coming months – to find out what is happening in your local area just visit www.southwestfoodanddrink.com/publicprocurement/events/ for all the up to date information.
For further advice or queries, please contact Judith Ward on 01392 878347 or e-mail judith.ward@southwestfoodanddrink.com
Back To Top
Last Updated 04/02/2008
