Breadcrumbs
Eat the View News Update (06/09/05)
Potential for a Landscape Quality Mark for products from conservation grazing schemes
A study has recently been completed by Land Use Consultants, commissioned by the Eat the View programme of The Countryside Agency, to consider the potential for a 'Landscape Quality Mark' for products from conservation grazing. The study found that accreditation based on the endorsement of recognised (statutory and voluntary environmental) bodies with expertise in site management would be the best way of assuring consistent standards across the wide diversity of different conservation grazing landscapes and habitats. The study also found that in order to satisfy consumer demands, conservation grazing schemes must offer more than simply environmental assurance. The study concludes that it is likely that conservation grazing products sold in small independent and specialised outlets will be more likely to reach the consumers who are most interested in purchasing them, than those sold in larger multiple retailers. The Countryside Agency is now considering the recommendations from the study and working with partners in the next steps. For the full report: click here.
Environmental Marketing: A collaborative approach
New report produced by English Farming and Food Partnerships and English Nature from a study of consumer attitudes and behaviour to environmental products. It finds that consumer interest in the environment is on the increase but it is still not a priority, and there is a big difference between what consumers say they want and what they actually purchase. Also, that in order to develop the market for environmentally friendly products, effective promotion to consumers is imperative and the messages must be simple. The messages much also be robust and stand-up to scrutiny, and, where products are endorsed by well respected organisations or people, this can enhance consumer confidence and awareness. For the full report: click here.
Deli on your doorstep
A pilot scheme devised by local food distributor Moorfresh aims to supply local and regional food to consumers. A number of agents including village shops, pubs, and post offices are, in exchange for a small commission, to distribute the Moorsfresh catalogue to customers, who then pick up their orders from the outlet. The catalogue includes Dales-bred beef, Whitby crabs, Yorkshire goats cheese, and smoked venison.
Welsh eating out local
A survey has found Welsh consumers are identifying and asking for local produce when eating out - and often do not mind paying a bit more for it. The survey commissioned by the Welsh Development Agency also reveals that consumers are increasingly interested in the origin of food. Source: Farmers' Guardian.
Show society goes local
An initiative by the East of England Agricultural Society to reduce food miles is expected to put nearly £500,000 back into the pockets of local farmers and producers. Launched at the East of England County Show, the Food Direct from the Farm scheme means all sold at the Peterborough showground now comes from the region's farmers. Source: Farmers Weekly.
Green whisky?
A distillery producing Old Pulteney Scotch whisky is using the waste heat from the production process to warm 600 homes in the nearby town of Wick, where energy bills will be cut in half. In addition, a new filtration system will enable it to go back to using water from the nearby loch. Whisky drinkers will see if the filtered malt is worth the wait after 12 years in the barrel - and whether the naturally filtered loch water improves its distinctive taste. Source: Green Futures
EVENTS
Protected Areas Branding Forum 2005: Marketing products from conservation grazing, 18 October, Broadway, Worcs.
Organised by the 'Eat the View' programme of The Countryside Agency, in association with the Cotswolds Conservation Board, the theme for this year's event will be the marketing and branding of products from conservation grazing. The conference will take place on the 18th of October and include expert speakers, practical examples, discussions, and a 'taste of the Cotswolds' local food lunch. It will be held at the Dormy House Hotel, nr Broadway, Worcs. Cost: £60. For further details and booking, go to www.tcp-events.co.uk/pabf or call 01323 637 704.
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.
