Breadcrumbs
Eat the View News Update
This is the last news update as part of the Eat the View initiative. The programme, which ran from 2000 to increase awareness of the links between sustainable local products and the countryside, will be ending in December 2006. However, this does not mean work in this area is about to cease - Natural England will be developing new projects to promote the connections between sustainable food and the natural environment and we will be working with farmers and the food industry to help adopt more sustainable policies and practices. The EtV archive will remain available.
NEWS
Consumers more likely to buy products with a low carbon footprint
Climate change concerns are presenting exciting new opportunities for business, as new research reveals the emergence of the lcarbon consumer. A Carbon Trust study shows that nearly two thirds of UK consumers are more likely to buy from a business they think is taking action to tackle climate change. Nearly three quarters of UK consumers are concerned about climate change and their own carbon footprint and two thirds want to know the carbon footprint of the products and services they buy. Other themes emerging from the research were that two thirds of UK consumers are more likely to buy products with a low carbon footprint, and that environmental concerns are factored by consumers into more than 50 per cent of buying decisions when purchasing cars, electronic goods, fast moving consumer goods and food and drink products.
Growth in sales of organic, ethical, local, and speciality food in Britain
A number of studies have found continuing growth in the organic, 'ethical', local, and speciality food sectors in Britain. According to Datamonitor, organic food sales have doubled over the past six years and shoppers' rising demand for healthier foods means fast growth should continue, predicting that the UK market will hit £2.7bn by 2010. Another report, by market analyst Mintel, indicates that consumers are set to spend over £2bn this year on free range, fair trade and organic products. This ‘ethical revolution’ has seen sales rise by 62 per cent in the past four years. Also, a report by IGD has found UK consumers spend £13bn a year on premium, speciality, organic, and local foods, accounting for around 10% of the UK’s food and grocery market. They expect this to rise by £6bn over the next five years, mainly in organic and fair trade products. Sources: Datamonitor/Mintel/IGD
National Trust launches Fine Farm Produce Award
The National Trust has created a new scheme to recognise fine foods. The Fine Farm Produce Award is a new award designed to recognise the very best food and drink being produced by farmers and businesses working on National Trust land. The requirements are rigorous: producers must meet with National Trust environment standards and, for livestock and dairy products, be certified organic or Freedom Food (RSPCA) assured. A taste panel use three criteria for appearance, aroma, texture and flavour. 13 products, including cheese, honey and sausages, from nine producers have received the award and their products can now feature the gold Fine Farm Produce Award logo.
Lessons learnt from the Parish Food Plans project
Report from f3 - the local food consultants, detailing the findings from three Parish Food Plan pilot projects funded by the Countryside Agency (now Natural England): Halthwhistle in Northumberland, Crowmarsh in Oxfordshire, and Headcorn in Kent. It describes the process to develop the plans, of looking at both the local landscape character of the area and activity in the local food sector, and then producing a commuity-led action plan to achieve a shared vision. The report also gives tips to those involved in or planning similar projects. Download report from the Local Food website.
UK Woodland Assurance Standard launched
A new certification standard was recently launched to enable woodland producers to demonstrate their sustainable woodland management credentials to consumers, and allow them to choose sustainable wood products. The UKWAS standard provides a common standard for the two current schemes - Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Programmes (PEFC). Woodlands can be certified on an individual ownership basis or as part of a group certification.
Consumers willingness to pay for local & organic food
Consumers are willing to pay more for locally produced and organic food according to new research. In one of the biggest and most robust studies to date, Reading University found that, on average, consumers are willing to pay over £1 more per 500g of local and organic lamb. They were also prepared to pay more for local and organic strawberries. It also found that older people and those with the highest incomes are prepared to pay the highest premium for local foods, although price can sometimes be an impediment to willingness to pay.
Research finds potential for growth in local & organic food markets in Gloucestershire
A study carried out by the University of Gloucestershire shows that there are opportunities in the county for fresh foods and specialty products where farmers can work in partnership with food service businesses. Gloucestershire greengrocers and butchers found that displaying local provenance increased their sales. Also, demand for organic produce is rapidly increasing, and this offers another opportunity for more farmers to meet the supply shortfall. Email Julie Ryan jryan@glos.ac.ukfor details.
The Tastes of Britain
Revised new edition of Traditional Foods of Britain by Laura Mason and Catherine Brown describing more than 400 different foodstuffs from every corner of Britain. The book has added recipes by other food writers and a foreword by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. Published on 23 October by Harper Press, priced £25.
Churches should consider farmers’ markets
A report by the Church of England, Mission-shaped and Rural: Growing Churches in the Countryside, suggests that rural churches need to consider using their buildings for purposes other than religious services. Setting up farmers’ markets is proposed as a way of reaching out to rural communities. Source: Farmers Weekly
Crumb's food miles a hit
Crumbs, a new grocery store in Sussex promising low food miles, has proved such a success it is to triple in size and open two more outlets. All products, many from within 40 miles radius, are labelled with a food miles card showing how far the product has travelled. Source: The Grocer
Traffic lights for fish sustainability
Sainsbury's have announced that they are to introduce a traffic light labelling scheme for the fish it sells. By the end of the year it says that only amber and green rated fish will be on sale. Any fishery with Marine Stewardship Council accreditation will get an automatic green rating. Source: The Grocer
Long-haul langoustines
Instead of transporting UK-caught langoustines the relatively short distance from sea to factory to distributor, Britain's leading seafood supplier, Youngs, will send them on a 13,000-mile round trip to Thailand for hand-shelling in the interests of cost-cutting. Source: Daily Mail
And, finally,
Levi’s first ‘sustainable’ jeans arrived in Britain’s shops last month. The cotton is organic, the button on the waistband is made of coconut shell, the dye comes from natural compounds such as indigo, the label is made from recycled cardboard and all materials come from Europe to cut down on unnecessary transport. Source: Soil Association
