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Farmers and food producers across the South West are invited to get the low-down on how they can supply the public sector in a series of free workshops taking place later this month.

ADAS has organised the workshops, taking place in two different venues in Dorset on the 29th April and 13th May, to outline the opportunities for producers To supply local food directly to schools and hospitals or link into an Existing supply network.

Attendees will also learn the commercial benefits of supplying the public sector, as well as the requirements, and potential 'routes to market'.

Examples of local and regional public sector supply chains will be provided. All food producers are welcome to attend the events - from farmers producing meat, milk, fruit and vegetables, to specialist manufacturers of food products such as ice cream or cheese.

Mark Holmes, ADAS Sustainable Food Consultant, said: "Local food procurement is becoming increasingly important. Not only are consumers and businesses seeking to reduce the environmental footprint of their everyday commodities, but the increasingly poor reliability and rising cost of imported foods is raising significant questions about their long term viability. Local sourcing not only offers long-term sustainability and reliability of supply, but also supports local economies and local people.

"Often producers are aware that public sector organisations may be interested in the opportunities for sourcing locally but don't know how they can go about securing the contracts. These workshops will arm them with the necessary 'know-how' to tap into existing supply chains and also directly supply the Public Sector."

Speakers at the events will include Alan Pavey, Contracts and Partnerships manager with Dorset County Council, Tim Crabtree of Local Food Links Ltd, Judith Ward of South West Food and Drink and Roy Heath Sustainable Food Development Manager for Cornwall Hospitals.

Attendees will have the opportunity to network with public sector procurers, catering managers and existing supply networks. Each workshop will conclude with a buffet of locally sourced food.

The events will take place between 2pm and 4pm at The Langton Arms, Tarrant Monkton on the 29th April and at Kingston Maurward College in Dorchester on the 13th May.

Those interested in attending one of these workshops should register by contacting Tricia Clarke at ADAS Mamhead Castle: tricia.clarke@adas.co.uk mailto:tricia.clarke@adas.co.uk> or telephone: 01626 899153 For more information on ADAS's sustainable sourcing consultancy services, Please contact David Lancaster, ADAS supply chain sector manager on Tel: 01775 680 878 or email david.lancaster@adas.co.uk

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