Councillors in West Oxfordshire will today debate a motion calling on the District Council to do more to support local farmers with diversification opportunities and ensure the council helps with promoting local produce during the Back British Farming campaign.
The motion, being proposed by Cllr Liam Walker, also calls on the council to be vocal in opposing attempts to diminish the role our meat, dairy, and arable farmers play in our rural way of life. Cllr Walker is also asking the council to work to raise awareness of the importance of shopping locally, wherever possible, taking advantage of home-grown, affordable, and nutritious food, especially through our local farm shops, to help reduce the food miles on our plates.
Cllr Liam Walker, the District Councillor for the Hailey, Minster Lovell and Leafield ward, said "I feel that the District Council haven't always got things right when supporting our local farmers and given how rural West Oxfordshire is I haven't seen any evidence that the council is doing more to ensure it's supporting farmers with diversification and helping to champion their cause. I hope that through this motion we can set a new course with our local farmers and begin to work closely with them."
Cllr Walker, who also sits as a County Councillor on Oxfordshire County Council, added "We have seen how a change in policy at the county council with regards to the food allowed to be eaten at council events and meetings has shown how some local councils have got their message wrong in my view. We are a rural county and should be doing our utmost to support farmers and our rural communities."
The motion is due to be debated at the West Oxfordshire District Council full council meeting taking place at the council offices at Woodgreen in Witney.
