A BID to support Worcestershire farmers by getting more locally-grown produce served in county schools has been backed by councillors.
But Reform councillor Justin Bowen says the motion passed at a meeting of Worcestershire County Council on Thursday (September 10) is a watered-down version of what he’d originally put forward.
Cllr Bowen had called for “food sourced from local farmers” to be served in schools and by caterers commissioned by the council wherever possible, working within existing procurement practices.
He also wanted a progress report to be produced within three months.
But an amendment by deputy leader Adam Kent changed some of the language in the motion and removed the three-month deadline.
The amended version of the motion was eventually accepted by councillors following a debate in which almost every councillor seemed to press home their own claims for some sort of connection to “the farming community”.
COUNCILLOR: Emma Kearsey said the motion was “extremely idealistic” (Image: Wychavon District Council)
Tory councillor Emma Kearsey said the motion was “extremely idealistic” and fellow Conservative Mel Fordington said the council had to be realistic about the cost per pupil of school meals.
Labour councillor Richard Udall said the motion was “warm words” that wouldn’t have much impact, adding that Brexit was the biggest killer for agriculture.
Reform group leader Alan Amos said the amendment reduced a motion with “good intentions” with “wishy washy words”.
“By removing the timeframe, we know what will happen – nothing,” he said.
Cllr Bowen said he was disappointed with what happened.
“Some people have put politics before our farmers, others I think maybe did misunderstand the motion,” he said.
Land being sold by council should be used for a secondary school, say councillors
Empty County Hall still costing taxpayers £1m a year as NHS takeover calls grow
Solving obesity problem would take ‘hundreds of years’ says health chief
“The motion was absolutely clear – schools would still work within the existing process, this was about engaging with the supply chain.
“Farmers need urgent help. Once you remove a timeframe things get kicked into the long grass, but I will hold the council to account and ask questions at future meetings.
“They can talk about a lack of money or officer time but all we need is the political will for this to happen.”
