Breadcrumbs
Eat the View News Update (15/02/05)
Bridport and Faringdon Foodcheck Action Plans
Sponsored by the Countryside Agency's Eat the View programme, the market towns of Bridport and Faringdon have recently completed their 'Local Foodchecks', including the development of a strategy and action plan to develop their town's sustainable food economies. The two towns have been piloting the Foodcheck process to benefit people in the town and surrounding area, and to provide important feedback to the Countryside Agency in developing and refining the process. Later this year, the Eat the View programme will be producing a Handbook for other market towns wanting to conduct a Foodcheck which will provide guidance and describe the experiences of Bridport and Faringdon. To download the Action Plan reports from Bridport and Faringdon click here.
Sustainable Woodland Products: Review of Consumer Awareness and Best Marketing Practice
The sustainable woodland products industry is highly diverse in terms of the range of business structures and products found within the sector. Research for the Forestry Commission and Countryside Agency has discovered that consumer awareness of sustainable woodland products is low, particularly with regard to the origin of products. New markets and new uses need to be stimulated to reinvigorate the woodland economy, and effective marketing can help to raise consumer awareness and interest in the origin and nature of woodland products, and increase demand for sustainable woodland products. Good practice approaches to marketing sustainable woodland products include developing a clear understanding of what local customers want and considering what local opportunities there are. To see the report, by consultants Arkenford, click here.
Diversifying farmers reaping rewards from processing and direct retailing
Figures from Defra's latest Farm Business Survey, shows that the average output of diversified enterprises on farms is highest for food processing and farm retailing in all regions, compared with letting buildings, tourism, sport and recreation. It also shows around 4200 farms (around 7% of total) are engaged in processing and/or retailing activities in England, and that this makes £131 million for farmers, equivalent to an average of £30,000 per farm. See: http://statistics.defra.gov.uk/esg/reports/divagri04.pdf
Stakeholder accountability in the UK supermarket sector
Final report from the Race to the Top project coordinated by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and supported in its initial stages by The Countryside Agency. The project aimed to track the supermarkets progress towards a fairer and greener food system but ended prematurely following a confidential pilot year in 2002. The report can be downloaded from: www.racetothetop.org
Feasibility study into the market opportunities for local produce in Pembrokeshire
The Countryside and Community Research Unit (CCRU) of the University of Gloucestershire will be conducting research to review of the Welsh, UK and European policy context in which the local production and marketing of food products in Pembrokeshire might develop. The research will also entail understanding how local consumers relate to the provision of local produce, including through running focus groups. See: www.glos.ac.uk/schools/ccru/news/latest.cfm. Source: Plunkett Weekly News
Local distribution in Kent
A new distribution service has been set up to supply multiple and independent retailers with fresh produce from Kent. Country Produce Marketing receives produce direct from local growers and then provides onward distribution to customers. The project is backed by Kent County Council through its Produced in Kent initiative. Source: The Grocer
Waitrose local food
Trials of Kentish seasonal fruit and vegetables, branded Country Produce and delivered direct to Waitrose's Tonbridge store in Kent, will soon begin. Graham Cassie, local sourcing manager, said that the four month pilot involved two different models so the supermarket could determine which was the best route, adding 'It's about meeting customer demand for local and regional products'. Source: The Grocer
EVENTS
25-26 February, Feast East
Trade and consumer fair celebrating food in the East of England. See: www.tastesofanglia.com/events/showevents.asp?id=93
7 March, Suppliers Workshop: Supplying food and catering services to the public sector
Conference hosted by Defra to help existing and potential suppliers of food to the public sector learn about the opportunities under the Public Sector Food Procurement Initiative.
17 & 22 March, Cultivating Communities: Inspiration and Enlightenment Spring Gatherings
Two Cultivating Communities events. One at Heeley City Farm, Sheffield and one in Northern Ireland. Contact Lucy Wallis on 0117 914 2425.
18-20 March, Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink
In its second year, the festival is set to be bigger and better in 2005. Contact: Evelyn Westwater, on 01392 440 745.
25-28 March, Chiltern Country Food Fair
Cookery demonstrations, stalls, competitions, etc.
