Breadcrumbs
Eat the View News Update (07/06/05)
Environmental impacts of food and drink
The European Commission has published a new draft report entitled Environmental impact of products (EIPRO): Analysis of the life cycle environmental impacts related to the total final consumption of the 25 members of the EU. Food and beverages are identified as being areas with very strong environmental impact across a range of environmental categories, including those of energy use and global warming potential. The report can be accessed from http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ipp/identifying.htm. Meanwhile, the Danish Environmental Protection Agency has recently published a report which analyses 138 product groups in terms of their impacts on the environment. Adopting a life cycle assessment approach, it finds that the food products are responsible for very significant environmental impacts. To read the full report go to: www.mst.dk/udgiv/publications/2005/87-7614-517-4/html/indhold_eng.htm
Threat to specialist meat
Many specialist meats could disappear if new regulations applying to abattoirs are implemented, the Forum for Private Business has warned. Farmers who have diversified into rare breeds and unusual meat livestock, such as wild boar and bison, rely on small abattoirs for slaughter, according to the FPB. Longer journeys to alternative larger slaughter facilities would cause stress to the animals, reduce quality and increase the risk of disease spreading. Source: The Grocer.
South Downs Lambs
Branded South Downs Lamb will be available in butchers' shops in the region from June. This follows an initiative by the Sussex Downs Conservation Board to develop a demarcated brand for products under the South Downs label. A pilot scheme involving 1000 lambs underwent successful market testing in 2004, and 4000 more will be put through the scheme this year. To qualify, lambs must have been sired by a registered South Downs or Hampshire Downs ram. Producers of South Downs lambs are also making an application to the EU for protected food name status. Source: The Grocer
Protected food names
Two more regional specialities have been added to the EU's register of protected food names: Italian cheese Ricotta Romana and Alsation honey. Ricotta Romana producers cite references to their speciality that date back to the 16th Century, with the qualities of the cheese due to the breeds of sheep particular to the Lazio region and the local meadow forage they eat. Alsatian bee-keepers meanwhile point to a local honey industry that dates back to the 7th Century, with its distinct flavour depending on the indigenous acacia, lime, pine, and chestnut trees and flowers specific to the region. Source: AgraEurope.
Somerset Local Food Coop
Local food producers in Somerset are launching a new co-operative which they hope will help get their products to more customers. Exmoor and Quantock Local Food will use a shared storage area where meats, cheeses and desserts will be stored. Caterers can choose from these products which will be delivered to their door. Source: BBC
Savour the Wye
Report on a conference in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty exploring the benefits, challenges and opportunities around supplying sustainable local produce to food outlets in the area. Download report from: www.wyevalleyaonb.org.uk/pages/_documents/SavourTheWyeReport.pdf
Farmers for biodiversity research
The University of Bristol is looking for beef and sheep farmers to take part in a research project on the links between biodiversity of pastures, farm business development, and food quality. The research team is specifically looking for livestock producers who finish lambs on heather, moorland, and salt marshes. They are also keen to hear from beef producers who finish animals on acid and calcareous grassland. Contact: Fran.Whittington@bristol.ac.uk
EVENTS
13 June, Farmers Markets: Hungry for More
Conference organised by the National Farmers Retail and Markets Association (FARMA) at the Royal Horticultural Halls, London. The event will explore farmers' markets in metropolitan areas. See www.farma.org.uk or call 0845 4588420
17 June, Making Markets, Creating Places
Conference to explore how markets have, and increasingly will become a focal point for physical and social regeneration in the UK and their potential for supporting producers of quality products. See www.marketsquared.co.uk
30 - 31 July, Tavistock Food and Drink Festival
The 2005 Food Festival is organised by the Tavistock Business Association to promote quality food and drink originating in the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset. See www.tavistock-business-association.org.uk/about.htm
27-28 September, European Conference on Local and Regional Food, Sweden
Aim of the conference is to provide a forum for politicians, officials and representatives from the food production and processing industries to meet and discuss the future of local food. See www.livsmedelssverige.org/conference/index.html
