A CAMBRIDGE farmer is challenging schools to use locally produced food for their school dinners.

John Cullimore, of G Cullimore and Sons, at New House Farm, started selling organic lamb and beef to the public a year ago and the company is now looking to sell to schools.

He said: "We want to try and get on the back of the school dinners issue.

We are keen for schools to work with us and other farmers. It is a challenge for them to work with us and do something about school dinners.

"I would echo everything that Jamie Oliver has said about buying local produce when it is in season. I feel very strongly about what he has done.

"We would be able to supply schools with lamb and beef between July and March. A lot of the food they have at the moment is possibly coming from abroad and it makes sense to buy it locally when it is season. Not all school meals are bad because some schools are doing a good job. Schools shouldn't be put off thinking it is expensive. There are schools in other parts of the country that are doing this with organic meat so it is possible to do it.

"In an ideal situation we would like schools to try our produce towards the end of the summer term to see how they get on, with a view to supplying them with meat when they go back in September. Hopefully one or two schools will take this on."

Mr Cullimore added that buying from farmers would help them during what is a difficult time.

He continued: "It is something that could help farmers because I think they are going to be struggling because of a new government system and they are going to have to diversify. There are plenty of farmers in the area that could provide everything for schools."

Mr Cullimore would also welcome schools to visit the farm.

He added: "I am keen to have schools come here and see how the food is produced because then they would know where their food has come from."

* Schools interested in taking up Mr Cullimore's challenge can contact him on 01453 890747.