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Suffolk County Council has voted in favour to pass the proposed Conservative's motion to support local farmers by ensuring all catering at council-organised events are sourced from local farmers.

The vote, which took place on October 19, 2023, was passed by 53 Councillors with three Green Councillors abstaining from the vote and has been welcomed by rural campaigners at the Countryside Alliance and the NFU.

See also: 'Rural fightback' as another council set to join Cornwall in resisting meat and dairy ban

The council has also committed to always including meat and dairy options alongside plant-based produce and will commit to further enhancing partnerships alongside arable, livestock and dairy farmers encouraging Suffolk residents to shop locally.

Shop local

The motion 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.

Councillor Richard Rout said: "I am delighted that this motion passed today and coming from a farming family, I know firsthand just how hard our farmers and growers work to feed and sustain our nation.

See also: Council meat ban branded 'slap in the face' for farmers

"Agriculture and agribusiness are an integral part of our local economy, and this motion not only commits us to doubling down on our support for local farmers but also ensures dietary choice at all our events."

The motion aimed to raise awareness of the importance of hardworking farming communities and specifically for the council, within Suffolk.

Farming community

Councillor Andrew Reid said: "We in Suffolk are rightly proud of our fantastic farming community.

"Through our County Farm estate, which spans over 12,000 acres and contributes over £7 million to the local economy, we have 90 agricultural tenants who do so much for our county."

See more: Britain's best farmers celebrated at British Farming Awards