Breadcrumbs
Eat the View News Update (15/06/04)
First 'local foodcheck' audits completed by Bridport and Faringdon
The market towns of Bridport and Faringdon have now completed audits of their local food economies as part of a 'foodcheck' being developed by the Countryside Agency. To compliment the Market Towns' Healthcheck and provide further guidance in an area of importance to many people, the foodcheck will provide a mechanism for supporting and enhancing a town’s sustainable local food economy. The audits in Bridport and Faringdon have discovered a rich and vibrant local food sector in and around the towns, although there is still much potential for growth and a number of threats to their development. The next stage of the foodcheck pilots will be to look at the feasibility of a number of activities to develop the local food sector in the towns. Both audit reports can be downloaded from: www.countryside.gov.uk/LAR/Landscape/ETV/research/localfood.asp.
Abattoir closure threatens local food economy in Cumbria
The closure of an abattoir at Ulverston, Cumbria could threaten local food production and regional regeneration in the area, says the Country Land and Business Association. Despite a recovery bid from a local meat processor, the abattoir recently ceased operating, forcing farmers and butchers to travel 60-miles to the nearest plants at Carlisle and Preston, Lancs. Regional CLA director Douglas Chalmers said: "The closure of Ulverston abattoir is regrettable and flies in the face of government policy. Promoting regional food is a vital link in Cumbria's regeneration strategy and the closure will not only affect farmers and butchers, but also the tourist industry and, ultimately, the consumer. We're trying to promote regionally-distinct foods as part of a sustainable strategy for farming, but we're losing one of the essential links in that chain.". Source: Farmers Weekly Interactive, June 03.
Sainsbury's to set up 'local' delis in the South West
Sainsbury's plans to introduce counters dedicated to meat produced in the West Country in 15 of its stores in the region. Trials in five stores have already proved a success with all meat traceable back to one of 120 farms. Every participating producer will be listed in a directory displayed at each counter whilst butchery counter staff will also visit a local farm to learn more about the way the animals are raised. Source: Farmers Weekly, 28.05.04.
Somerfield 'So Good' meat initiative
Somerfield supermarket has started a new scheme in the South West in which producers will be supplying beef directly to its stores in the region. The 'Partnership Plus' scheme means that the farmers and supermarket agree the total number of cattle required and the margin return before signing the contract. All the meat sold will be part of the 'So Good' range and will feature the name and address of the farm where the animal was reared. Source: Farmers Guardian.
Budgens launches local lines in Anglia
Budgens has listed 50 locally sourced products in its stores in East Anglia including meat, fish, drinks, ice cream and herbs. Initially available in eight stores, orders can be placed in collaboration with Tastes of Anglia. Stephanie Rice, Budgen's Marketing Director , said 'People increasingly want to support their local community and to buy local and this is something we want to encourage'. Source: The Grocer, April 04.
Scilly Local Food Directory
First local food directory for the Isles of Scilly for people to find growers, farmers, and fishermen who produce food and shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes who sell local food on Scilly. See: www.scillylocalfood.org.uk.
EVENTS
28 June, Farmers' Markets: Time to Grow conference, Winchester
Conference for everyone interested in the future of farmers' markets. Contact National Farmers and Retail Association (FARMA) on 0845 230 2150.
5-6 July, Consumers, Farmers and Food: Reconciling the future
Conference organised by the Royal Institute of International Affairs with New Scientist magazine. See: www.riia.org for details.
31 July - 1 August, Tavistock Food Festival
Inaugural food festival being organised by the Tavistock Business Association to promote food and drink originating in the counties of Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. See: www.tavistock-business-association.org.uk/.
3 - 7 August, Great British Beer Festival
See: www.camra.org.uk/SHWebClass.ASP?WCI=ShowCat&CatID=1.
22 August, Kitchen Garden Day
Celebration of home grown food. See: www.kitchengardeners.org/kitchengardenday.html.
