Business Magazine: the Echo's monthly supplement

A FREE workshop is being held to help farmers and food producers tap into public sector business.

Environmental consultancy ADAS is holding the session between 2pm and 4pm at Kingston Maurward College on May 13.

It will outline the opportunities for producers to supply food directly to schools and hospitals or link into an existing supply network.

There will also be information about the commercial benefits of supplying the public sector, as well as the requirements, and routes to market'. ADAS sustainable food consultant Mark Holmes said: "Local food procurement is becoming increasingly important.

"Not only are consumers and businesses seeking to reduce the environmental footprint of their everyday commodities, but the increasingly poor reliability and rising cost of imported foods is raising significant questions about their long-term viability.

"Local sourcing not only offers long-term sustainability and reliability of supply, but also supports local economies and local people."

"Often producers are aware that public sector organisations may be interested in the opportunities for sourcing locally but don't know how they can go about securing the contracts.

"These workshops will arm them with the necessary know-how' to tap into existing supply chains and also directly supply the public sector."

Speakers will include Alan Pavey, who is contracts and partnerships manager with Dorset County Council, Tim Crabtree of Local Food Links Ltd, Judith Ward of South West Food and Drink and Roy Heath who is sustainable food development manager for Cornwall Hospitals.

All food producers are welcome, including farmers and specialist manufacturers of food products such as ice cream. They will have the chance to network with public sector procurers, catering managers and existing supply networks.

Register with Tricia Clarke at tricia.clarke@adas.co.uk or call 01626 899153 to attend.

8:53am Monday 28th April 2008

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