The Ulster Farmers’ Union deputy president Glenn Cuddy has said the recent debate around chicken served in Northern Ireland schools should refocus attention on a much bigger issue: ensuring more locally produced food is procured for public sector canteens, including schools, hospitals and other public institutions.
Commenting following clarification from the Education Authority on the sourcing of chicken products used in school meals, Mr Cuddy said the UFU does not wish to become involved in arguments surrounding religious certification or faith-based dietary requirements.
“From a UFU perspective, the more important discussion is how government and public bodies can do more to support local farmers and food producers through their procurement policies. Northern Ireland farmers produce food to some of the highest standards in the world. Our members are rightly proud of the quality, welfare, traceability and sustainability credentials that underpin local food production.”
Mr Cuddy said that, at a time when food security, supply chain resilience and support for local economies are becoming increasingly important, public procurement should play a greater role in backing local produce.
“The money spent on school meals, hospital catering and wider public sector food procurement should, wherever possible and practical, deliver benefits for local communities and local farming families. We have consistently argued that domestic food producers need to be placed at the centre of future food policy, linking our ability to provide high-quality, nutritious food with the health and wellbeing of people across Northern Ireland.”
The UFU has previously highlighted the potential for public procurement to strengthen local supply chains, improve food security and support rural economies. The Union believes procurement processes should give greater recognition to food provenance, sustainability and local sourcing opportunities.
Mr Cuddy added, “Consumers increasingly want to know where their food comes from and how it is produced. Northern Ireland schools provide an important opportunity to educate young people about food production and to strengthen the connection between the food on their plates and the farmers who produce it.
“Local farmers manage the vast majority of Northern Ireland’s countryside while producing safe, affordable and nutritious food. Public procurement should recognise the wider economic, social and environmental benefits that come from supporting local agriculture. Rather than focusing solely on where individual products originate from at a particular point in the supply chain, we should be asking what more can be done to increase the amount of local food reaching public sector kitchens. That is a conversation which benefits farmers, consumers, pupils and taxpayers alike.”
Mr Cuddy said the UFU looks forward to working constructively with government departments, the Education Authority and the wider agri-food industry to explore opportunities for strengthening local food procurement across Northern Ireland.
