DINNERS served up in school canteens throughout the country could soon be fresh from the fells as Cumbrian farmers are encouraged to consider supplying the public sector with their produce.
Around 45 farmers and suppliers from throughout the county heard at a meeting held in Penrith how they could see their products served up at local schools and hospitals.
Organiser of the meeting, Will Cockbain, a hill farmer from Keswick who has also been appointed the North West's Food and Farming Champion, explained that the public procurement market was worth around £2 billion.
He said that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs was now pushing to increase the number of small and local producers supplying food for schools, hospitals, prisons and residential homes.
For the full story, get the Gazette
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article