The annual Norfolk Food Festival at the Palace of Westminster is due to take place on 13th September. Last year’s event was very well attended and this year we are showcasing many more local producers and the diverse range of food produced in Norfolk. The event will demonstrate and the contribution that Norfolk makes to the UK’s economy, environment, countryside and agriculture and will also offer a great opportunity to show support for British agriculture as a major industry.

I have invited Government ministers from the Ministry of Defence, the Department for Health, the Department for Education, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. They all have a particular interest in the environment and agricultural production or a remit for resourcing and procurement. It would be fantastic if we could get our NHS patients, school children and military personnel eating food from our region.

The event will focus on the main regions within Norfolk – Brecks, Fens, Norwich, coastal, Broadland – to give a real sense of the great variety of food produced across the county. Last year there was a huge range of food from artisan producers such as Mettfield Bakery and Bray’s Pork Pies to major operations like Kettle Chips.