Love British Food’s inaugural ‘Public Sector Influencers event’ to connect supply chain

Love British Food’s inaugural ‘Public Sector Influencers’ event on Wednesday 20th March is set to connect the most influential people in the public sector with British farmers, producers and suppliers.

All major public sector providers are attending, for a day of frank discussion and shared sense of purpose. The public sector has the potential to be a huge customer for British farming, and this event will explain clearly and directly how farmers can sell into it.

The aim is to agree a shared vision of what all involved in the supply chain, and those hoping to be involved, can aspire to.

The event is taking place on Stuart Robert’s farm. Robert is a cereal, beef and sheep farmer – he is one of the most well-known and passionate advocates for farming and consumer engagement.

Stuart Roberts, cereal, beef and sheep farmer, Hammonds End farm, Hertfordshire and former NFU deputy president: “Love British Food has led the way for a long time in promoting British food and farming to the public sector. I am delighted to host their public sector influencers event on my farm. I am looking forward to working with them to share the true societal and environment value of buying British; and lead farmers to understand the commercial opportunity of supplying schools, hospitals and other institutions.”

Phil Shelley, chair NHS Food Review and national lead for Net Zero Food, NHS England: “This is the first time that public sector leaders, providers, suppliers and farmers have gathered together to discuss the supply chain. Momentum is building as we in the public sector, want to buy more British food. I hope this event provides farmers the confidence to invest in supplying the public sector helping us, as buyers, to understand the true value of buying British. There will be plenty of frank discussions I am sure. What better place to have them, than on a farm. Thank you to Love British Food for organising.”

Alexia Robinson, Love British Food founder: “Everyone we work with in the public sector agrees that we are on the cusp of real change in the way food is procured. There is an increasingly shared vision and agreement that purchasing from British suppliers should be the aspiration for NHS Trusts, Local Authorities, schools, universities, care homes and other public institutions. All have targets to deliver on sustainability, net zero, the environment and, most important, the need to provide nutritional food to the young, the sick, the elderly, their staff and other members of the public.

“This event aims to go beyond talk of aspirations and the detail of government buying standards to a frank discussion on the nitty gritty reality of how we can all work together to deliver robust supply chains of quality food to the vast public sector. Love British Food has always been about delivering positive change for local communities across the UK. That means tangible benefits, where advantages are felt in farms, businesses and the wider local economy.”

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