Farmers' support scheme watered down

A scheme to help Worcestershire farmers by getting more locally-grown produce into schools was watered down before being approved, a councillor has claimed.

Reform councillor Justin Bowen said the motion passed by Worcestershire County Council on Thursday was not what he had originally put forward.

Bowen had called for "food sourced from local farmers" to be served in schools by caterers commissioned by the council wherever possible, working within existing procurement practices.

But Tory councillor Emma Kearsey said the motion was "extremely idealistic", with Labour's Richard Udall saying it had "warm words", but would not have much impact, adding Brexit had been agriculture's biggest killer.

Bowen had 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 pledge to publish it by December.

The amended version of the motion was eventually accepted by councillors following a debate.

Conservative councillor Mel Fordington said the council had to be realistic about the cost per pupil of school meals.

However, Reform group leader Alan Amos said the amendment reduced a motion with "good intentions" to "wishy washy words".

"By removing the timeframe, we know what will happen – nothing," he said.

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.

"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."

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