Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Paragraph: 40
The Government has associated leaving the EU with the opportunity to encourage the public sector...
Conclusion
The Government has associated leaving the EU with the opportunity to encourage the public sector to “buy British” and reduce environmental costs. It is, however, clear that even under EU rules, the UK already had opportunities to support British suppliers through proxy measures, such as specifying “local” and “seasonal” in procurement. This had the potential to provide greater environmental benefits, such as reduction of food miles. We are disappointed that those opportunities were not maximised before EU Exit and we expect the Government to make more effort in future.
Paragraph Reference:
40
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
. We have a manifesto commitment to encourage the public sector to ‘Buy British’ – to support our farmers and reduce environmental costs. Our vision is that local sourcing will be championed throughout the updated GBSF. This will include promoting procurement practices that support local suppliers, encouraging greater incorporation of UK seasonality and local produce into menu choices, and requiring that high food production standards are met. We will also consult on ways to simplify the GBSF to make it easier to use and strengthen guidance on fair and transparent procurement which aims to create a more level playing field, including for SMEs. To monitor progress, we will consult on including metrics within the GBSF to assess the uptake of local, seasonal food, amongst the other standards. The data would then allow public bodies to record progress against GBSF priorities. practicalities of how to achieve local, sustainable and healthy sourcing. We will continue to work collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure the GBSF and accompanying guidance better supports the sector. This will include a series of workshops running alongside the consultation.