Flour conformity

All flour bought by government departments will soon have to conform to British farming and manufacturing standards. Under a new government plan, flour used in hospitals, schools and prisons will have to meet production standards such as the Red Tractor scheme or LEAF Marque scheme. The commitment is for government departments to procure commodities such as flour rather than processed products like bread and cakes, said Defra.

NAMB gathering

Former Greggs MD Sir Mike Darrington will be one of the speakers at the National Association of Master Bakers’ (NAMB) social/business weekend on 27-28 November at the Menzies Welcombe Hotel & Golf club in Stratford-upon-Avon. He will join fellow speaker, Alette Addison, head of the salt reduction strategy at the Food Standards Agency. Cost for the whole weekend is £130 per person. Details from the NAMB on 01920 468061 or email namb@masterbakers.co.uk.

Loaf for Lammas

For the second year running The Real Bread Campaign is encouraging bakers to bake a loaf for Lammas over the weekend of 31 July/1 August. Its Local Loaves for Lammas campaign also encourages consumers to buy a local loaf.

BBC accolades

Nominations are being invited for BBC Radio 4’s Food and Farming Awards, which include the best food producer and best local food retailer categories. The awards are a chance to nominate the people, businesses and organisations that make a difference to culinary Britain. See the website bbc.co.uk/foodawards for more information, including entry rules and previous winners. The closing date for entries is 15 August.

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