SF&G are proud to have worked alongside DTA Wales, Robert Owen Community Banking Foundation and Lantra to create an online "toolbox" for growers looking to increase their potential to supply the public sector - our schools, hospitals, care homes and other public catering facilities.
Access the toolkbox on DTA Wales' website here: dtawales.org.uk/dta-wales-resources/growers-toolbox/
At present only 6% of fresh produce procured by the public sector in Wales is of Welsh origin, but legislation that came into force in February 2025 has the potential to enrich local communities in Wales through re-directing the £85 million currently spent by the Welsh public sector on food.
This newly launched toolbox empowers small-scale fruit and vegetable growers — whether just starting out or already established — to tap into public sector supply chains. It provides a suite of practical resources to help them access opportunities to supply schools, hospitals, care homes, and other public catering facilities, where contracts have long been dominated by large corporate suppliers.
The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans said;
“It is great to see successes like this from our Foundational Economy funded projects. This new Toolkit will be an invaluable resource for vegetable and fruit growers, helping them to enter public sector supply chains, and improve self-sufficiency and resilience so we are less reliant on imports. It will also help us on our journey to net zero by the creation of shorter supply chains."
Through our experience of running the Community Land Advisory Service in Wales, SF&G have contributed our expertise to the planning guidance. In particular building on our work as part of the Future Farms Partnership, we've been able to collate a succinct resource for growers seeking permission to build a Rural Enterprise Dwelling.
You can also our access extensive guidance about setting up a machinery ring for smaller-scale horticulture which is already being replicated in Powys, Ceredigion/Pembs and Gwynedd.
Find the toolbox at dtawales.org.uk/dta-wales-resources/growers-toolkit/