 Providing information on organic food and farming in Wales | ||||||||
Information for businessesThis section contains information on all aspects of the organic food supply chain, including processing, wholesale and retail sales, and business to business links.
 
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 Public sector institutions – schools, hospitals, local authorities - in Wales and the UK are increasingly conscious of the importance of a healthy diet and the benefits that organic food can bring. This page has information for both procurement staff and suppliers.Public procurementIn 2010, the public sector in Wales spent £71.35 million on food, of which Welsh food accounted for £16.4 million. This shows the potential of schools, hospitals, prisons and government offices to stimulate local food production, and especially to support organic farming in Wales. Although cost is often given as a reason for not buying organic food, it need not be more expensive if it is sourced seasonally and efficiently, and the regulations allow organic food to be specified. Public sector bodies who are moving towards sustainable procurement of food can be accredited by the Soil Association's Food for Life Catering Mark . At the Bronze level food must be freshly prepared, free from undesirable additives and better for animal welfare, while at the Silver and Gold levels some organic food must be included. So far the Catering Mark has been awarded to a number of bodies in Wales including several universities, Flintshire School Meals Service, and St Joseph's Hospital in Newport.  Information on the Catering Mark and a Case Study of St Joseph's Hospital in NewportFurther information The Welsh Organic Fruit and Vegetable Sector and Public Sector Procurement in Wales. Report commissioned from Menter a Busnes, 2012. Download a summary Organic food and sustainable procurement(Powerpoint presentation, 4.6 Mb) Find new markets | |||||||
In partnership with 
Organic Centre Wales, IBERS, Gogerddan Campus Aberystwyth University, Ceredigion, SY23 3EB T:01970 622248 E: organic@aber.ac.uk Funding bodies   | ||||||||