Maidstone becomes latest council to agree support for farmers and freedom of choice

Maidstone Borough Council in Kent has become the latest local authority to support a Countryside Alliance campaign to proactively support local farmers and block councils from banning meat and dairy.

On Wednesday, 25 September, councillors agreed a motion introduced by Conservative Councillor Tom Cannnon, ensuring that all catering at council-organised events is sourced from local Kentish suppliers, specifically including meat and dairy options, alongside fruit and vegetables. The motion also commits the council to encouraging local residents to shop locally, where possible, taking advantage of home-grown, affordable, and nutritious produce, with an aim of reducing food miles to plates.

Prior to the debate, an amendment was introduced by members of the Liberal Democrat group to widen the scope of the motion to include reference to forestry and nature, among other things. This was supported by one Green Party Councillor who argued a reference should also be included to reducing meat consumption.  Many councillors, however, felt that amendment risked undermining the spirit of the original motion with Councillor Cannon describing it as changing his motion ‘beyond all recognition’. His concerns were shared by councillors from the independent group and Labour Party. Following a vote, the amendment was subsequently voted down, with 24 councillors voting against, 14 in favour and 2 abstaining.

In defending his motion, Councillor Cannon said:

“Without a doubt, our farms are the backbone of our villages and our historic county town in the garden of England. They provide the foundation of an economic ecosystem that includes local food businesses, drinks manufacturers, engineering firms and scientific innovation.

“I hope colleagues, you'll take this opportunity to show your support for our local farmers and food businesses. Let us do our bit and recognise their work, but also to actively support our local economy by encouraging residents to shop local to reduce food miles, and for this council to directly support our Maidstone food sector with supportive initiatives and at our council events, and through procurement, choosing to buy from local farms and producers, we must never forget the importance of our local farmers in being stewards for our local environment and providing us all with nutritious food.”

Mo Metcalf-Fisher, Director of External Affairs at the Countryside Alliance said:

" We would like to thank Councillor Cannon for proposing this motion to Maidstone Borough Council and thank parties from across the political spectrum for supporting our important campaign. Where other councils have let our farming community down badly, with divisive and puerile bans on meat and diary produce, the sensible proposals agreed here in Maidstone show real support for Kent's vibrant farming community and freedom of choice."

The move comes after a string of other councils, including Calderdale in Yorkshire and Nottingham City Council voted to ban meat and dairy items from their council-catered menus.

Edinburgh City Council, Norwich City Council, and Haywards Heath Town Council in Sussex have also signed up to the ‘Plant-Based Treaty’, which calls for an end to the construction of any future livestock farm and pushes plant-based food in schools and hospitals. It also includes a pledge to promote vegan food over animal products.

Maidstone Borough Council becomes the eleventh council to defy the compulsory vegan trend. Suffolk, Cornwall, North Northamptonshire and Portsmouth are among those that have introduced similar motions elsewhere.

The motion will now be referred to the council's Policy Advisory Committee.