A move by Suffolk County Council to support the region's agricultural industry by sourcing homegrown food has been welcomed by farming leaders.
The authority agreed to a motion ensuring all catering at council-organised events is sourced from local farmers where possible, and committing to include meat and dairy options alongside plant-based produce.
Councillors also committed to enhancing partnerships with arable, livestock and dairy farmers, and encouraging Suffolk residents to shop locally.
The motion was backed by 59 councillors, with no votes against and three councillors abstaining.
It follows contrasting motions passed at several other councils across the country, urging shoppers to buy plant-based products in a bid to reduce the environmental and climate impact of meat and dairy production. For example, Norwich became the second city council to endorse the "Plant-Based Treaty" earlier this year.
But Suffolk's decision was welcomed by the National Famers’ Union (NFU), which urged other organisations to follow suit.
Suffolk NFU chairman Andrew Blenkiron, of the Euston Estate near Thetford, said: “We are delighted to have the support of Suffolk County Council.
“It is good to see the vital role that farmers and growers play in the county recognised in this way.
“We would now like to see other organisations following this example, and for the public to support local and British farmers by continuing to buy local produce.”
Thursday’s meeting discussed the contribution of Suffolk’s farmers to the county’s rural economy, as well as the environmental benefits of reducing food miles.
The motion was proposed by Richard Rout, deputy leader of Suffolk County Council, who said: “This is a vote of confidence in our farming community and a great place to start.
“It is about showing our dairy, livestock and arable farmers across the county that Suffolk County Council has your back.
“We can do more and we will do more for our farming community.”
Also at the meeting was Mo Metcalf-Fisher, director of external affairs for campaign group the Countryside Alliance, who said: "This is a fantastic result for Suffolk’s farmers - livestock and arable - and a victory for freedom of choice and common sense.
"We thank Richard Rout for championing the rural community today and urge councils across the country to follow Suffolk, Cornwall and North Northamptonshire, in submitting and passing this motion."
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