Morrisons to stage 'auditions' for local food producers

Morrisons supermarket is calling for the UK to become more self-sufficient when it comes to our food supply - and is putting its money where its mouth is by holding 'auditions' for local suppliers.

Research published by the supermarket suggests that only 52% of the food eaten in the UK is sourced from British farmers, despite more than two thirds of shoppers agreeing that they'd prefer to buy British where possible.

The report says that, as global uncertainties rise, it makes "increasing sense" to build up our self-reliance when it comes to feeding the population.

It cites statistics showing that the UK's food production has dropped significantly over the last 50 years and points out that thanks to the rise in global goods trading we now import £39bn worth of food while exporting just £18bn.

Morrisons does admit that becoming completely self-sufficient as a nation is probably impossible but stresses that there is a definite appetite in the UK for more homegrown food.

Andy Higginson, chairman of Morrisons, said: "Our customers tell us they want to see more food that is made just down the road from their own communities and that's why we are looking for the next generation of British and local foodmakers to serve our 12 million customers.

"We want small UK food suppliers to become bigger ones - the Innocent Smoothies of tomorrow - and we also want to give our customers the option of more food that meets their local food tastes."

Morrisons has put out a call for British suppliers to pitch their products for a chance to earn a spot on the supermarket's shelves.

Food producers will be selected by region and the company hopes to have fresh food available in its 491 stores that was "grown, made, picked or packaged" within a 60-mile radius of any local supermarket.

The scheme, called The Nation's Local Foodmakers, will see more than 200 new suppliers recruited in the first year and will kick off with the first of 12 regional pitching events in Yorkshire on 14 March.

"Morrisons is already British farming's biggest single customer and the publication of the report today from Professor Benton makes us more determined to produce more of our food and source more from local British suppliers," Mr Higginson said.