Council buys local to back its farmers

A COUNTY council will prioritise local produce for meals in its schools and care homes in an effort to support struggling farmers.

- EXCLUSIVE BY ELEANOR BURLEIGH

Conservative councillor Daryl Corps received unanimous support for his motion and hopes other authorities will follow suit.

Liberal Democrat-led Gloucestershire County Council agreed to the measure in a cross-party recognition of the challenges facing local farmers, including rising fertiliser costs linked to the Iran war, tax hikes and extreme weather conditions.

Alongside prioritising food produced in its Cotswolds region for the 300 schools overseen by the council and its care homes, cabinet members will develop a plan for extended mental health services and for promoting the benefits of eating local.

Mr Corps, 51, said he proposed the measures in response to the despair of his largely rural ward at the government's approach to the sector.

Dissatisfaction has centred on Rachel Reeves' family farm tax, the levying of 20% inheritance tax on farms worth over £1m, which the Chancellor eventually raised to £2.5m in December after months of backlash.