Photo - Alan Mak MP is shown around Northney Farm by Managing Director Cllr Tim Pike
A popular local ice cream manufacturer has received the backing of a Cabinet Minister as the government pushes forward with a new “Buy British” food campaign.
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Elizabeth Truss MP backed Northney Ice Cream, produced on Northney Farm on Hayling Island, in Parliament.
Responding to a question from Havant MP Alan Mak, Truss confirmed her department would continue championing local food brands and producers – such as Northney Ice Cream – as part of the government’s policy of supporting British producers.
Truss confirmed the government would also create a new “Great British Food Unit” bringing together government officials from a range of departments early in 2016 to give British exports of foodstuffs a boost by co-ordinating efforts across government.
Elizabeth Truss also accepted Mak’s invitation to visit Northney Farm later next month to sample the ice cream, and meet local farmers, food producers and those involved in flood protection and environmental management on Hayling Island. The winter floods across Britain have puts such issues at the top of the political agenda.
Alan Mak MP said, “Local food brands like Northney Cream show British business at its best. We can all be proud that Hayling is home to a popular and growing local business, and I’m delighted Food & Environment Secretary Liz Truss has agreed to visit Hayling later this month.
Mak added, “Issues such as the rural economy, flooding and environmental management are at the top of the agenda, so it’s good to get a Cabinet Minister to Hayling to engage on their impact locally.”
Tim Pike, Managing Director of Northney Ice Cream, said, “Alan is a strong supporter of our local economy and small businesses like mine, and we’re delighted he be mentioned us in Parliament as an example of a local success story. Alan has worked hard to get Liz Truss to Hayling, and we’re looking forward to hearing her thoughts on everything from farming to coastal management.”