West Oxfordshire District Council has renewed its commitment to support local farmers and food producers across the district.

Through a motion debated at the full council meeting on March 13, the council committed to developing policies that will help with diversification opportunities for farmers and providing food at council events which is sourced locally.

It will also include working with partners to help make local food available to all, reducing food miles and supporting local producers. 

The motion also recognises the role that non-intensive livestock can play in restoring soils and helping provide a balanced diet. 

The final element calls on the local MP to support the Get Fair about Farming campaign, which demands regulations ensuring supermarkets stick to fair buying agreements.

The council will also make the same request to any new MP brought in following the general election. 

The motion was debated thoroughly at the meeting, with councillors across the chamber discussing the best ways to support local farmers. 

The council already has a key commitment in its plan to ‘Recognise and support the vital role of farming in natural ecosystem conservation, local food production and economic resilience, and the role that environmentally sustainable farming can play in achieving this'.  

Current work includes speaking directly with local farmers on the council’s next Local Plan so that future planning policy better support farmers in the district, delivering a Food Action Plan to encourage local food production and working to reduce the impact of flooding on local farmers.