Sustain’s Bridging the Gap programme is demonstrating how public sector food procurement can drive a just transition to agroecological farming and make healthy, sustainable food accessible to all. A recent learning exchange in Manchester brought together farmers, wholesalers, and food system experts to explore how to integrate more organic fruit and veg into school meals and public institutions.

At Royal Oak Farm in Ormskirk, Peter Lydiate and Cheryl Carruthers have been using organic methods since the late 1990s. Their partnership with Organic North, a Manchester-based organic wholesaler, exemplifies a trust-based, non-contractual relationship that allows for confident crop planning. Organic North supplies over 260 customers and is exploring opportunities to expand into public sector procurement, recognising that supplying schools and public institutions is a key way to make agroecological produce accessible to all .

The exchange highlighted that public sector procurement is a powerful lever for change. By investing in local, organic supply chains, we can support farmers, improve children’s health, and build resilient food systems.

This approach aligns with the vision of Bwyd Powys Food, the Sustainable Food Partnership for Powys, which aims to transform local food systems by promoting local, sustainable, and healthy food. Their initiatives, such as the ‘Welsh Veg in Schools’ and the ‘Future Farms’ project, demonstrate the potential of local procurement and agroecological farming to support communities and the environment.

To learn more about this initiative and how it contributes to a better food system, read the full report.