Breadcrumbs
Eat the View News Update (06/07/05)
Giving Businesses ‘Pride in their Place’: The Development of the Peak District EQM
This report tells the story of the pioneering place-based environmental accreditation scheme in the Peak District. Produced by the Peak District National Park Authority, and supported by The Countryside Agency, English Nature and the East Midlands Development Agency, it describes the methods, progress, successes and difficulties in establishing the Environmental Quality Mark (EQM) for products and services from the Peak District. The Mark integrates the three elements of product, process and place with high environmental principles and standards. The report also details the standards which were developed for various businesses including farmers, food producers, crafts, and tourist enterprises. The summary and full report can be downloaded from: www.peakdistrict.org/eqm/report.htm
Food tourism toolkit
An online food and drink tourism toolkit has been launched by the East of England Tourist Board (EETB) and Tastes of Anglia to provide hotels, pubs and restaurants with information on local produce. There is practical advice on how to support the local economy and a variety of case studies. The toolkit stems from research carried out by the EETB - with funding from The Countryside Agency - which has shown that tourists from both home and abroad really value locally produced food and drink while on holiday.
Cultivating Cooperatives - organisational structures for local food enterprises
A new toolkit produced by the Soil Association, Plunkett Foundation, and Cooperatives UK is now available for people who want to set up local food enterprises. The toolkit, which is ‘Plain English’ approved, gives detailed information about the types of organisational structures that are available to local food enterprises, and how to legally protect the interests of the people involved. The toolkit can be downloaded for free from: www.soilassociation.org/localfood
European Commission launches debate on eco-labelling of fish
The European Commission has launched a debate on the eco-labelling for fisheries products. It appears to favour establishing a set of minimum requirements for voluntary labelling schemes and regards eco-labelling schemes as a way to integrate environmental protection into the fisheries sector. While the Commission takes the view that voluntary eco-labelling schemes should be encouraged, it is clear in its position that natural resource management is the role of the state and that eco-labels should not replace governmental conservation policy. The Commission will consult with stakeholders and is inviting institutions to debate the issues raised.
South West Food Park
A £27 million food park is planned for the South West. The food park would provide processing, storage and distribution facilities to the regional food and drink sector. Director of Devon Natural Food Company, Malcolm Dudley Williams said "Local and regional food makes very good business sense with clear economic benefits to the countryside, local communities, tourism, and quality of life in the region. We believe that the SW Food Park would make a significant contribution to mid-Devon's prosperity, as well as the wider region". Source: Farmers Weekly.
Produced in Norfolk
A Norfolk cooperative of local food, drinks and crafts producers has launched its new brand this month, with help from Defra's Rural Enterprise Scheme (RES). 'Produced in Norfolk' has eighty members whose objective is to boost sales of locally produced goods. Jane Taylor, a cooperative member, said: 'Visitors to Norfolk often take home souvenirs that are actually produced outside the county. With the new brand, visitors will be able to buy something which is of high quality and genuinely produced in Norfolk'. See: www.defra.gov.uk/news/issues/2005/erdp-0614.htm
North Wessex Downs online directory
The North Wessex Downs area of outstanding natural beauty offers some of the finest views to be enjoyed in the country. Some people say they look good enough to eat. This online directory gives useful information in finding quality, fresh, locally-grown produce and locally produced products. Go to: www.northwessexdowns.org.uk/products
EVENTS
7 September, Brighton Food and Drink Lovers Festival
Celebration of the best food and drink in Sussex. See: www.brightonfoodlovers.co.uk
16 September, York Festival of Food and Drink
The theme for the 9th annual celebration is 'promoting Yorkshire produce'. See: www.yorkfestivaloffoodanddrink.com
17 - 18 September, Abergavenny Food Festival
Now in its seventh year, the festival continues to grow and diversify.
24 September - 3 October, British Food Fortnight
Events throughout the country. The aim continues to be to make the public, and in particular young people, aware of the diverse and delicious food that Britain produces by increasing awareness of the health benefits and pleasures of eating quality, fresh, seasonal and regional produce. See: www.britishfoodfortnight.co.uk
24 - 25 September, Alnwick Food Festival
A weekend celebrating local food and hospitality in the North East, and kicking-off British Food Fortnight. See: www.alnwickfoodfestival.co.uk
