Staffs Council passes motion to proactively support local farmers

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has voted to proactively support local farmers by buying meat and dairy for council-organised events.

The motion ensures that all catering at council-organised events is sourced from local suppliers, following campaigning by the Countryside Alliance.

Unanimously passed by councillors, it specifically includes meat and dairy options, alongside fruit and vegetables.

The motion will also commit the council to encouraging local residents to shop locally by taking advantage of home-grown produce, with an aim of reducing food miles to plates.

Following a debate in the council chamber on Wednesday 28 February, an amendment was introduced to commit the council to protecting agricultural land in the Local Plan when it is reviewed in the next year.

Both the motion and the amendment passed with all councillors voting in favour.