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Local procurement, local food

  • by JW

Public procurement is recognised as a tool for keeping value in the local economy.

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What can a local authority do to help its local economy?

Building a resilient local economy in 2020 – Vision Group for Sidmouth

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One idea is to procure products and services as locally as possible – as exemplified famously by Preston, Lancs:

Preston Council: injecting into the local economy through local procurement – Vision Group for Sidmouth

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Meanwhile, in Monmouth, Wales, similar ideas are afoot – but looking at the local food market in particular:

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How Local is Local?

Rethinking local food and the public plate in Monmouthshire, Wales

Public procurement is recognised as a tool for keeping value in the local economy. Producers find reliable routes to market, and local government can strategically stimulate and shape markets. Could the public plate help Monmouthshire’s food and farming sector to thrive? The answer is a qualified yes. Local food can provide real opportunities – especially for SMEs – as part of a diverse mix of local, national and international markets. But procurement must balance offering local routes to market with sourcing sustainable, nutritious food. Opportunities are matched with challenges and complex practicalities which require sophisticated handling…

How Local Is Local_SFSCOP_OCT2020.pdf

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The paper was put together by the Sustainable Food Systems website:

Local food: a solution or a tool? New ROBUST discussion paper is out | Rural Urban

Sustainable Food Systems | Rural Urban

photo: Sidmouth Community Market, artisan bread