Breadcrumbs
Eat The View News Update 03/08/06
Welcome to the latest Eat the View news update! Eat the View is a Countryside Agency initiative about developing the links between consumers purchasing decisions and the conservation of distinctive landscapes, for more information visit: http://www.countryside.gov.uk/LAR/Landscape/ETV/index.asp.
NEWS
Organic market booming in Britain
Figures released by the Soil Association in its annual report showed growth in the UK market for organic food increased by 30 per cent – averaging an extra £7 million a week – compared to growth for all UK food and drink sales of 3 per cent. The numbers and range of people buying organic food have also risen, with two out of three consumers now knowingly buying organic food (65.4 per cent) and over half of people in the most disadvantaged social groups (C2, D and E) now buying organic food and drink. Despite the dominance of the supermarkets, sales through independent shops, farm shops, farmers' markets and box schemes have also increased by 32 per cent since 2004. See http://www.soilassociation.org/
Sustainable Farming and Food Strategy to continue for further 3 years
The Sustainable Farming and Food Strategy (SFFS) has been renewed for a further three years, with the publication of 'Forward Look' by the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs. Forward Look sets out the key areas that will be taken forward as part of the Strategy. These include improving the environmental performance of farming and sustainable consumption and production. Supporting economic and statistical analyses, details of the indicators used to measure progress, and The Final Report of the Implementation Group have also been published. See http://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/policy/sustain/index.htm
Willingness to pay for, and consumers’ attitudes to, local, national and imported foods
Survey conducted as part of the Rural Economy and Land Use programme’s Implications of a Nutrition Driven Food Policy for Land Use and Rural Environment project. The study used an economic study of the willingness to pay for local, national and imported foods (lamb and strawberries) through the use of choice modelling. Issues relating to food origin were also examined through a consumer behaviour framework utilising the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Attitudes towards local food were found to be positive, with most respondents believing them to be tastier and fresher, and that their purchase helps local farmers.See http://www.relu.rdg.ac.uk/workingpapers&reports.html
Increase in ‘food miles’
Defra has released new figures showing an increase in CO2 emissions caused by food transport for the UK. Road and air "food miles" generated nearly 18 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2004 - up 6% on the previous year. Food transported by air - mainly fresh fruit and vegetables - accounted for only 0.1% of total food miles, but generated 13% of total food transport CO2 emissions. Environment secretary, David Miliband, recently summoned bosses from the big four supermarkets to demand they work harder to make their businesses more environmentally friendly. Source: The Guardian
Calls to improve Country of Origin labelling
The British Pig Executive is calling on supermarkets and processors to improve country of origin labelling on pork products after an investigation by BPEX revealed half of all branded products failed to give clear information. Also in recent weeks, the NFU has said consumers should be given more control over the food they buy and is calling on restaurateurs to print the country of origin of meat on menus. The call comes after the Republic of Ireland passed legislation requiring caterers to display the origin of beef. Source: Farmers Weekly.
Sainsbury's launches organic box scheme
Sainsbury’s recently launched a 100% organic supermarket box scheme, to be trailed at the end of August 2006 to online customers in the East Midlands and Anglia. The box will contain eight types of seasonal organic produce sourced only from UK organic farms. However, environmental campaigners, Friends of the Earth, warned that the initiative could force existing small-scale players out of business.Source: Independent
Best practice in public sector food procurement
A best-practice report on sustainable food chains in the public sector has been published. It reviews supply chain models, schools issues, contract preparation and suggests who needs to do what. It was commissioned by Food Links UK, funded by Defra, and researched by f3 – the local food consultants. Source: Local food news. See http://www.localfood.org.uk/library.htm
Future Footprints: working to ‘Keep the South West Special’.
This new project aims to help people have a great holiday in the South West of England, whilst supporting local communities and protecting the environment. One of its messages, ‘Try Local, Buy Local’, promotes the true taste of the South West through its local products, including the region’s famous food and drink.
Real Cornish Food guide
The latest edition of Real Cornish Food guide is a joint effort between Taste of the West and the Cornwall branch of the Women's Food and Farming Union (WFU). The guide for holiday visitors and local shoppers alike includes 200 businesses and is available free from Tourist Information Centres, tourist attractions, farm shops and delis. For a free copy, call Cornwall Taste of the West 01579 349363.
Smart productivity: securing sustainable development in the English regions
Booklet published by the Regional Development Agencies which shows how investment in environmentally friendly development can contribute to long term economic growth, environmental sustainability and social inclusion. See http://www.eeda.org.uk/
New Food Links for Surrey
Surrey Food Links is the new local food group in Surrey, supported by Surrey County Council and SEEDA. Its aim is to increase the market for local produce by linking people, produce and production across the supply chain.
Coppice Crafts of Cumbria
New 'local product trail' from the Cumbrian Fells and Dales Leader+ project which aims to enable people to discover how the coppiced woodlands of Cumbria provided livelihoods in the past and in the present day. See http://www.fellsanddales.org.uk/trails/coppice_crafts.php
Celebrating Romney Lamb
Three posters have been produced by Produced in Kent to highlight one of Kent's little known quality products. The aim is to increase consumer awareness of one of the oldest breeds in England and choose Romney Lamb over alternatives. See http://www.producedinkent.co.uk/
One Planet Products
A new initiative, One Planet Products, is working within the construction and refurbishment industries to increase the supply and quality of sustainable building products and services. See http://www.oneplanetproducts.com/
EVENTS
1 - 30 September, Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival
See http://brightonfoodfestival.co.uk/index.php
2 - 3 September, Organic Food Festival
See http://www.organicfoodfairs.co.uk/
8 - 10 Ludlow Marches Food and Drink Festival
See http://www.foodfestival.co.uk/
9 - 10 September, Woodworks!: Festival of wood, woodlands, and wood products
See http://www.marstonvale.org/woodworks/
18 - 24 September, Devizes Food Festival
See http://www.visitkennet.co.uk/features/food-fest/
22 September - 1 October, York Food Festival
See http://www.yorkfestivaloffoodanddrink.com/
23 September - 8 October, British Food Fortnight
See http://www.britishfoodfortnight.co.uk/
23 - 24 September, Alnwick Food Festival
See http://www.alnwickfoodfestival.co.uk/
29 September - 1 October, Nantwich Food Festival
See http://www.nantwichfoodfestival.co.uk/
30 September - 1 October, Great British Cheese Festival
See http://www.thecheeseweb.com/
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Inclusion in this news update does not imply approval or endorsement of the items or events by The Countryside Agency. All information in this email has been checked and believed to be correct, but cannot be so guaranteed. The Agency does not necessarily support or endorse the views, ideas, products or services on any site to which it provides a link.
