Irish Farmers Association president John Bryan has called on the Irish government to match the commitment shown in Britain for their agriculture and food industry, and prioritise local, Quality Assured food suppliers when awarding public contracts.
 
The IFA noted that new DEFRA Secretary of State Caroline Spelman has written to her Cabinet colleagues telling them that all food procured by government departments must meet the standards of local producers.
 
John Bryan said, “in the recent past, the HSE and the Defence Forces have been guilty of awarding food supply contracts to companies outside the state at the expense of Irish producers and jobs. IFA have strongly criticised state bodies for not prioritising Irish, Quality Assured produce and as a country which proudly brands itself Ireland – The Food Island, it is time the issue was addressed.”
 
He said, “The Government has encouraged major investment by Irish farmers, Bord Bia and processors in developing the highest standards through the Bord Bia Quality Assurance scheme. Failure to insist on this standard for all procurement contracts displays a disjointed approach. Producers and consumers expect that adherence to standards should apply, and the Government should take a lead on it.”