Gloucestershire Farmers to Receive Council Support Amid Pressures

Gloucestershire Farmers to Receive Support Amid Mounting Pressures

Gloucestershire’s farming community will receive additional support from the local council, as councillors unanimously agreed to prioritise local produce procurement and address the challenges facing rural businesses in the county.

Details

At a recent meeting, Gloucestershire County Council’s cabinet agreed to conduct an audit of the council’s procurement processes to ensure that locally-sourced produce is prioritised where financially feasible. They will also review the council’s catering facilities, including in care homes and schools, to further promote the use of Gloucestershire-grown products.

Moreover, the council will produce a report on the current success of the “Made in Gloucestershire” programme, with a view to addressing any identified shortcomings. Additionally, a public health plan will be developed to support the mental health of the rural community during this crisis, along with an initiative to highlight the benefits of consuming locally-produced, fresh goods.

Conservative Councillor Daryl Corps, who proposed the motion, stated that farmers across Gloucestershire are facing “a perfect storm” of rising costs, volatile markets, challenging weather conditions, and increasing pressures on labour. He emphasised that many family farms are now facing long-term financial uncertainty, which does not reflect the reality of how farming income actually works.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, who represents constituents in the North Cotswolds, spoke in strong support of the motion, recognising the plight of the county’s “hard-working farmers”. Green Party Councillor Chloe Turner also agreed with the proposals, stating that she believes the government does not fully understand the rural economy and the specific challenges facing the farming sector.

What You Need to Know

The council’s actions aim to provide much-needed support to Gloucestershire’s farming community, who are facing a range of mounting pressures. The measures include prioritising local produce in council procurement and catering, evaluating the “Made in Gloucestershire” programme, and addressing mental health concerns in rural areas.

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