Food minister Lord Whitty has called on public sector buyers to give British farmers a "fairer crack of the whip".

The minister said the government cannot say "Buy British" but it could bang the drum for UK farm produce.

Forum Response: National Farmers Union

Sir Ben Gill, president of the NFU, told ePolitix.com: "This is a tremendous opportunity for British farmers to supply British public sector bodies.

"For too long, government and its agencies have focused simply on the lowest possible price. Changing the criteria to things like animal welfare and food standards means that British farmers are ideally placed to meet this opportunity."

"The use of British farm assured produce would give confidence to public sector purchasers that they are buying food produced to some of the highest standards in the world.

"And the provision of locally sourced products into government institutions could help maintain many local farm businesses, giving producers the encouragement to develop.

"It will be important that the whole chain from government departments, food service companies, processors and producers works together if the benefits are to be achieved. This will require real long-term planning to maximise when British and local food is in season and available, as well as opportunities to develop local sourcing."