Procurement Food Hubs Evaluation Contract

Description

Project Overview This pilot project is about creating an evidence base to prove that the public sector CAN procure efficiently from local producers using methods that benefit the natural environment and local prosperity. It will pilot the use of Food Hubs as a mechanism for local producers to provide the scale and technology needed to supply the public sector effectively. During 2020, Covid-19 and Brexit negotiations have highlighted many of the issues that Wales faces in producing its own food, particularly food that improves the health of our nation, reduces socio-economic inequalities and enhances biodiversity. We will support two Food Hubs (in Powys and Carmarthenshire) to expand their reach and move into procurement, whilst still delivering the Food Hub vision of a connected, local and environmentally-sound model. Procured services in the UK is a minefield of legislation, bureaucracy and paperwork, the Partnership will provide expertise and training to ensure access for Hubs and growers. We will develop and adapt existing technology to meet the needs of customers using procurement systems and provide added data to build the case for this model. Powys and Carmarthenshire rural regions are already exploring innovative approaches and collaboration to develop local supply chains. We will support them with investments to diversify and work towards the economic and environmental benefits proposed within the forthcoming Agriculture (Wales) Bill. The case studies and data we produce will be disseminated via Sustainable Food Places and other networks to encourage wider participation from large-scale purchasers, growers and rural communities. Evaluation Requirements Evaluation will be focused on capturing learning from this pilot to influence future activity and policy that encourages customers procuring food for the public sector to prioritise short supply chains (and regenerative growing) within Wales. Hubs will use Open Food Network technology and other resources to collect data throughout the project to demonstrate the wider benefits of this model. Evaluation reports will be required to capture the opportunities, challenges, successes and learning points for: - Growers/producers - Food Hubs (aggregating produce and selling to wholesaler/direct to customers) - Existing suppliers (wholesale) - Procurers The final learning document will be used as a guide by others elsewhere in Wales as well as policy makers who influence procurement rules in the public sector. It must be an active document with recommendations and case studies to bring the model to life and must consider that this model (revised according to the experience of the pilot) can, and will, be implemented elsewhere in Wales. Requirements: • Evaluation will be embedded into the project activity from the outset (once evaluators appointed). Evaluators will work closely with the project lead and delivery partners and provide advice and guidance to make data collection simple and consistent. • Data collection will include qualitative and quantitative data. • Evaluators will participate in 8 Steering Group meetings to ensure learning is embedded in the wider picture of short supply chain procurement. • Evaluators will visit each of the two Hub sites in Powys and Carmarthenshire for face-to-face discussion with partners at least four times during the project. • Evaluators will meet with a range of end-customers and producers to understand their experience and impact of this pilot. • Evaluators will keep abreast of food procurement legislation, policy and other initiatives in Wales and further afield, to ensure the final report is in tune with wider strategies and practices. Outputs • One interim evaluation report. • One final evaluation report. • A “Key Learning Document” which will be disseminated to procurers, growers/producers, Hubs and policy makers to ensure learning from this project is used to influence future activity and policy. This documen