Research: Regional food systems
Assessing the capability of food producers to supply schools, hospitals and other public sector institutions through regional supply systems.
Research summary
Research summary
This research set out to understand the capability of farmers and other regional food producers to supply UK schools, hospitals, and other public sector caterers through existing supply infrastructure.
This was achieved through an examination of regional food supply data in the UK alongside published details of public food procurement contracts.
This data was supplemented by a survey and interviews with procurement and supply chain representatives to build a picture of the current state of regional sourcing by the UK public sector.
The aim was to identify opportunities to develop this relationship for the mutually beneficial development of both sectors.
A clearer picture emerges from these strands of enquiry about the prevailing nature of regional food and public sector demand.
The report makes a series of policy-oriented recommendations, particularly in the context of the UK Government Food Strategy and its implementation.
Research outputs
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A report will be published that assesses the case for regional food infrastructure in the UK and the role of public procurement in supporting it, followed by at least one academic paper.
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Other outputs will be generated through a communications and advocacy plan led by the Soil Association.
Research team
Funding
With funding from
The Ashden Trust
Contact
Contact us
For general enquiries about our Market Transformation research theme, you can contact its lead Prof Paul Smith.
