A CAMPAIGN group has hailed a move to block the council from banning meat as a “victory for common sense”. 

Dorset Council will not ban meat and dairy from its events and menus but instead will “support local farmers” following a campaign by Countryside Alliance. 

The motion, passed last week, means all catering at council-organised events is sourced from Dorset producers, this includes meat and dairy as well as plant-based produce. 

Councillors have also committed to exploring ways of encouraging residents to ‘shop and buy local’ meat, dairy and vegetables. 

Cllr Byron Quayle, who brought forward the motion, said: “Food security is one of the most important issues facing Dorset and the nation as a whole.  

“Simply, our farmers and food producers are facing breaking-point pressures. Our farmers deliver quality, fresh, seasonal, and affordable food to world-leading environmental and welfare standards. 

“However, agriculture has become less profitable and the industry is in decline. We live in an ever-expanding country that needs feeding.  

“With risks to global supply chains, it is our farmers and food producers that will be required to provide for this demand. If this industry is not supported now, we simply won’t have the capacity to meet this need in the future.” 

Mo Metcalf-Fisher, director of external affairs for the Countryside Alliance, said: “This is a fantastic result for common sense, freedom of choice, and farmers across Dorset. 

“Dorset has a proud farming heritage and that has now been officially recognised. With Dorset joining Cornwall in supporting this important motion, the south west is truly leading the way and sending a strong message to councils across the country.” 

However, not all councillors were in favour, including Green politician Kelvin Clayton, who said: “There is a lot that is really commendable in this motion – not least of which its support for local food and local food producers. 

“I think it could be improved by at least accepting that we need to move away from meat and dairy, but the stumbling block for me is just one sentence: ‘We will be vocal in opposing excessive regulation by central government’. 

“We will require government leadership and regulation to counter the effects of industrial farming methods – and that’s what is really going to hold back local food production.” 

BCP Council was recently found to be one of the best authorities in the UK for vegans by The Vegan Society. 

It joins Oxfordshire County Council as being one of 19 UK councils to be considered “green” by the society.