Another council shows support for farmers by keeping meat and dairy options

Councillors from a county located in East Anglia passed a Conservative motion to ensure that catering at council-organised events includes meat and dairy options alongside plant-based alternatives, sourced locally where possible.

In addition, Suffolk County Council will commit to further enhancing its partnerships with the county’s arable, livestock and dairy farmers and encouraging Suffolk residents to shop locally. The council is not the first to defy the vegan trend, following the same decision made by Cornwall and North Northamptonshire councils, which voted to keep meat and dairy on their tables.

The motion was widely supported, with 59 councillors voting in favour of it, no councillors voting in opposition, and three councillors abstaining from the vote. It was proposed by councillor Richard Rout, deputy leader of Suffolk County Council, and seconded by councillor Andrew Reid, cabinet member for public health and public protection.

Support for local farmers

Speaking to the BBC, cllr Rout said: “Agriculture and agribusiness are an integral part of our local economy. This motion not only commits us to doubling down on our support for local farmers, but also ensures dietary choice at all our events.”  

During the council meeting, cllr Rout said he wanted to “expel” some of the myths around the carbon impact of the meat and dairy industry. He added: “Emissions from the UK livestock sector is not only lower than the EU average, it’s lower than the residential energy or transport emissions.”  

The Suffolk County Council’s move to support farmers and growers in the county has been welcomed by the National Famers’ Union (NFU), which is urging other organisations to follow suit.   

Vital role  

Andrew Blenkiron, chairman of the Suffolk branch of the NFU, said the organisation is “delighted” to have the support of Suffolk County Council on this matter. He added: “It is good to see the vital role that farmers and growers play in the county recognised in this way. We would now like to see other organisations following this example and for the public to support local and British farmers by continuing to buy local produce.”  

During the discussion, it was highlighted how Suffolk farmers produce high-quality, healthy food and adhere to high standards of animal welfare. The vital role Suffolk’s farmers play in boosting the county’s economy and supporting the countryside was also discussed, as well as the environmental benefits of reducing food miles.  

Independent councillor Richard Kemp supported the motion but also called for it to go further. During the meeting, he said: “We could do more. I’d like to see us help to ensure local suppliers are used in schools, prisons and hospitals. We could set up an ad hoc committee or pressure group to look into these things. I support the motion but hope it is looked at again.”  

READ MORE: Protests have taken place since the council announced controversial plans to enforce a vegan menu at its meetings and events, and to encourage local schools to provide more plant-based meals.