Dorset Council has opposed calls to adopt plant-based menus by passing a motion to support produce from local farmers.

Councillors passed a motion introduced by Conservative Byron Quayle, ensuring that all catering at council-organised events is sourced from local producers, including meat and dairy options, alongside plant-based produce.

It has become the latest local authority to vote in support of a Countryside Alliance campaign which strives to champion local producers and prevent councils from banning meat and dairy.

Mr Quayle said: “Food security is one of the most important issues facing Dorset and the nation as a whole.

“Simply, our farmers and food producers are facing breaking-point pressures. Our farmers deliver quality, fresh, seasonal, and affordable food to world-leading environmental and welfare standards. However, agriculture has become less profitable and the industry is in decline.

“We live in an ever-expanding country that needs feeding. With risks to global supply chains, it is our farmers and food producers that will be required to provide for this demand. If this industry is not supported now, we simply won’t have the capacity to meet this need in the future”.

The Green Party objected to the wording of the motion and proposed an amendment, arguing in favour of government support as well as veering away from meat and dairy.

In proposing the amendment, Kelvin Clayton, Green Party councillor, said: “I think it could be improved by at least accepting that we need to move away from meat and dairy, but the stumbling block for me is just one sentence: “We will be vocal in opposing excessive regulation by central government.”

“We will require government leadership and regulation to counter the effects of industrial farming methods and that’s what is really going to hold back local food production.”

The amendment was defeated in a vote and the motion went on to pass in full, with 48 councillors voting for, three voting against and four abstentions.

Mo Metcalf-Fisher, Director of External Affairs for the Countryside Alliance, said: “This is a fantastic result for common sense, freedom of choice, and farmers across the Dorset.“Dorset has a proud farming heritage and that has now been officially recognised. With Dorset joining Cornwall in supporting this important motion, the south west is truly leading the way and sending a strong message to councils across the country.”

Several councils nationwide, including Oxfordshire and the London Borough of Enfield, have banned meat and dairy products at their events, as well as encouraging the public to adopt plant-based diets.

Dorset joins Suffolk, Cornwall, and North Northamptonshire councils who have all voted to keep meat and dairy on their menus.