Speaking at Certis hosted seminar at the House of Commons Ward said that there has never been so much money and effort promoting the industry.
The fruit for schools scheme is one such enterprise. Ward said: “Promoting local, fresh produce to children will improve education about food production. This in turn will bring about improved appreciation of food and a demand for local and regional produce in the long-term.”
Ward pointed to the efforts being made in Yorkshire and Humberside which has resulted in a major effort to get local supply. He said: “There are 1800 schools and 230,000 children in this region. There are great opportunities available, but lots of work for growers to get involved with before they can reap the benefits.”
Ward also pointed to a number of school programmes getting children involved with planting, growing and harvesting their own food provide a good future. He said: “The Bradford Central Schools arrangement is another example. This utilises quality produce such as bendy cucumbers or large oversized carrots that are rejected at the packhouse. This allows good to be purchased more cheaply by schools while maintaining the benefits of sourcing locally-produced nutritious food for children.”
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