A Kent council has become the latest local authority to back a campaign to support local farmers.

Maidstone council had been asked to consider a motion ensuring that all catering at its events is sourced from local suppliers, including meat and dairy options, alongside fruit and veg.

But the move to support farmers was almost derailed over the question of whether we should be eating less meat.

Cllr Tom Cannon (Con), from a farming family, had introduced the motion to the council in support of farming, which he described as “the backbone of our villages and our historic county town.”

His motion stated: “This council recognises the huge contribution made by Kent farmers, growers, and the wider Maidstone food and drink industry to the local economy, environment, and rural communities.”

It went on to commit the council “to supporting local farmers, growers, and the food and drink sector by, where possible, ensuring that all food and drinks provided at council-organised events are sourced from local suppliers, and always include Kentish meat and dairy, alongside local fruits and produce.”

But while everyone in the council chamber stressed their support in principle for the farming community, some were unhappy with the wording of the motion.

Cllr Tony Harwood (Lib Dem) described it as “a bit prescriptive”.

He said: “It seems we might have to serve Kentish coffee - well good luck with that one!”

He proposed a substantial amendment to the motion, which while also adding wording to support the forestry industry and farmers’ markets, at the same time changed the wording to: “Commits to supporting local farmers, growers, and the food and drink sector by, wherever feasible, ensuring that all food and drink provided at council-organised events is sourced from local markets and suppliers.”

Crucially the reference to “Kentish meat and dairy“ was deleted.

His amendment also inserted the word “many” into the sentence “the huge contribution made by (many) Kent farmers,” implying that not all farmers were doing a good job.

The changes were too much for Cllr Cannon who refused to accept the amendment.

In the ensuing debate, the council leader, Cllr Stuart Jeffery (Green), speaking in support of the amendment, said: “Reducing meat consumption is the one single thing we can do to help the planet.

“It would have been nice to have seen something (in the motion) about reducing that.”

But Cllr Paul Harper (Fant and Oakwood Independents) told him: “We aren’t a vegetarian or vegan council. A lot of our residents do eat meat and do eat dairy.“

When a vote was taken, the amendment was rejected by 14 votes to 24, with two abstentions.

That means that Cllr Cannon’s original motion will now be passed to the council’s cabinet members for consideration.

Speaking after the debate, Cllr Cannon said: "I am absolutely delighted that my motion of support for Kent farmers, growers and the Maidstone food and drink industry was successful”

“Our farms provide the foundations of an important and active economic ecosystem, that includes local food businesses, drinks manufacturers, engineering firms and scientific innovation.

“They also help fuel a vibrant local hospitality industry - keeping our pubs and restaurants well stocked with nutritious local produce.

“Shows like Clarkson's Farm have shown new audiences the hard work of farming and how important it is we have a supportive council for the local rural economy and food sectors.

“It was a shame that what should have been a universal motion was targeted by the Lib-Dem and Green administration with an amendment.

“I strongly believe that the people of Maidstone do not want to be told not to eat meat and dairy by the green leader of the borough council.

“It would be asking meat and dairy farmers to not do what they do, many for generations and telling our food sector not to sell British meat and dairy.”