Local Procurement Policy a priority post-devolution - Stevenson
Ulster Unionist East Londonderry candidate Edwin Stevenson has said that once devolution is up and running here Ulster Unionists will be pressing for government agencies to massively increase sourcing of food from local producers.
In a statement, Mr Stevenson said: “Ulster Unionists believe in a quality future for Northern Ireland’s rural communities – quality jobs; quality environment; and quality products.
“Agricultural policy must coherently address the economic, social and environmental needs of rural communities. That’s why I would press for the introduction of a public procurement strategy empowering government departments and agencies to source a high proportion of food from local, Northern Ireland producers.
“As part of this we will also be pressing for the introduction of clearer food labelling – produce should be grown, born, reared, slaughtered and processed locally to qualify for bearing the Northern Ireland label. The homegrown label will be a mark of outstanding quality
“For example, the clear labelling on beef of its country of origin is essential to give local beef farmers a helping hand and to bring them back into a successful export market.
“We want to see a fair relationship between producers, processors and the supermarkets – addressing unfair and restrictive practices and helping to secure a sustainable future for Northern Ireland farm businesses.
“If consumers can see the source of the beef that they buy and know where the farmers whom they support come from, they may give more backing to local producers.”