Breadcrumbs
Eat the View News Update (15/07/04)
YHA food pilot serves up a success story
The Youth Hostel Association's Eat the View pilot project in the Peak District has shown it is possible for a large catering operation to source quality local food and that this adds to the enjoyment of visitors to the hostels. The project considered the practicalities of local food procurement and the way in which this could support rural economies and connect visitors to the landscape. It was funded by The Countryside Agency as part of its national Eat the View programme and centered on 12 youth hostels in the Peak District that offer full catering facilities. Colin Rich, YHA Food and Beverage Manager, said 'The clear message from the pilot project is that raising the content and profile of local food in the meals served can enhance the identity of a region and reinforce visitor's experience and connection to the area'. The pilot project was so successful that the YHA has begun to roll out the strategy to other hostels. This includes selecting regional food champions to develop menus and train staff in YHA's 174 catering hostels to prepare and cook local dishes made from ingredients sourced from within a 30-mile radius. The report detailing the findings of the pilot project can be downloaded from: www.countryside.gov.uk/LAR/Landscape/ETV/research/localfood.asp.
Research reveals growth potential of farm shops and farmers' markets
New consumer research, commissioned by the National Farmers' Retail & Markets Association (FARMA), has found that almost 90 per cent of households would buy from farm shops and farmers' markets if they could. This is three times the current level of regular purchasing from farm shop or farmers' market which stands at 30 per cent of households who claim to have bought foods from such an outlet during the last year. The research was conducted through YouGov and canvassed 2,025 households throughout the UK during 22-24 June 2004. Gareth Jones, managing agent of FARMA said 'This is the first time a large scale national survey of consumer awareness and purchasing from producers has been carried out and the results surpass our expectations. FARMA members have been reporting good growth in year-on-year sales consistently for some time and these figures bear out a trend among consumers to seek out ways of buying food from local producers.' FARMA is the newly formed organisation arising from the merger of the Farm Retail Association and the National Association of Farmers' Markets. Source: FARMA press release.
RuralScapes
A new not-for-profit company dedicated to sustainable land management in Shropshire, Cheshire & Powys, was launched by Sir Don Curry at the Royal Show. RuralScapes works with farmers, landowners, food producers, and tourism providers to offer sustainable development solutions in the counties. The company carries on the work of the Severn Vyrnwy Project, a land management initiative set up by the Countryside Agency to demonstrate how integrated rural development could work in practice. Contact: Angela Cott on 01691 679683 or visit: www.ruralscapes.co.uk.
New protected food names approved
More protected food names have been granted Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) or Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. Peras de Rincon de Soto (Rincon de Soto Pears, Spain) Salame d'Oca di Mortara (Mortara Salami, Italy), Anchois de Collioure (Collioure Anchovies, France), Brioche Vendeenne (Vendee Brioche, France) and Melon du Quercy (Quercy Melon, France) were given the status of quality products from particular regions by the European Union. Source: Agra-Europe.
EVENTS
24 - 25 July, Flavours of Faversham Food and Drink Festival
Celebration of local food and drink of Faversham.
4 - 12 Sept, Organic Week
Celebration of organic food and farming, See: www.organicweek.org
10 - 12 Sept, Finding our Food Culture conference
A conference to explore what we mean by 'food culture', what impact it has on the development of sustainable agriculture and communities, and what we can do to stimulate its evolution across the UK. See: www.localfoodworks.org
10 - 19 Sept, York Festival of Food and Drink
See: www.yorkfestivaloffoodanddrink.com
10 - 12 Sept, Ludlow Marches Food and Drink Festival
10th year of the festival, See: www.foodfestival.co.uk
18 - 19 Sept, Abergavenny Food Festival
See: www.abergavennyfoodfestival.com
18 Sept - 3 Oct, British Food Fortnight
Annual celebration of the best of British regional and local food, See: www.britishfoodfortnight.co.uk
24 - 26 Sept, Nantwich Food Festival
