NFU boycott threat over local produce

Hotels and restaurants across the South-west could be boycotted by the National Farmers' Union (NFU) if they do not serve up locally produced food.

The union is sending the hotels and restaurants a questionnaire asking which suppliers they use for various foods. Those that can show that West Country products make up the bulk of their supplies will be put on an approved list. Those that can't will be boycotted by the NFU, which will refuse to hold any meetings or dinners at their premises.

NFU regional director Anthony Gibson said: "The aim of our new policy is primarily to develop the catering market for farmers and growers in the region, but it is also to encourage a general improvement in the standard of food in the catering trade that would be to the benefit of local consumers and visitors alike."

Gibson is also asking other regional bodies - such as councils, chambers of trade and commerce, the Confederation of British Industry, the Country Landowners' Association, tourist boards and the Government Office for the South West - to adopt a similar policy.