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Farming Today This Week
拢2 billion is spent each year on public sector food. Caz Graham visits Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham to investigate how much of that money goes to British farmers.
拢2 billion is spent each year on public sector food, but some say that goes on cheap, imported and unhealthy food. Caz Graham investigates what's being served in schools, hospitals and prisons, and hears British farmers could cash in if more of them sourced local produce.
At Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham they spend 拢26 per week on each patient's food and drink; they source local where they can, but it's nutrition, not the Union Jack, which is the deciding factor. Meanwhile, Nottingham City Hospital managed to save 拢6 million a year by sourcing fresh food locally. Schools spend 拢1 billion a year on their dinners, and at a Norfolk high school, Anna Hill hears how they are working with local farmers to improve what makes it to the plates.
European law bans government from a 'Buy British' policy, but farming minister Jim Paice says that DEFRA will encourage the public sector to buy local food. Sustain, which campaigns on food issues, says that doesn't go far enough, and more legislation is needed.
Presented by Caz Graham, produced by Melvin Rickarby.
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- Sat 18 Sep 2010 06:3091热爆 Radio 4
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Farming Today
The latest news about food, farming and the countryside