Breadcrumbs
Eat the View News Update (17/11/04)
Made in Stroud wins special Eat the View award 2005
Made in Stroud Ltd, which runs farmers' markets and manages the Made in Stroud shop, has won the unique 'Eat the View' Award for 2005, presented at the National Farmers' Retail & Markets Association (FARMA) conference held in Powys last week (9 & 10 November 2004). The Award, created by FARMA and The Countryside Agency, is given in recognition of meeting Eat the View objectives, summed up by environmental good practice and work to link food, farming and countryside in consumers’ minds. The Award judges said that Made in Stroud had introduced many significant projects and promotions which enabled the three farmers’ markets it manages to work with schools, and children visiting the markets, to foster a greater understanding of their local landscape and its connection with foods. See: www.farma.org.uk and the Made in Stroud case study.
Growing organic direct sales
According to the SA's Organic Food and Farming Report 2004 - the most comprehensive review of the organic sector - the proportion of organic food sold through the supermarkets has fallen by 1% for the second year running. Increasingly, consumers are turning directly to farmers: sales through box schemes, farmers' markets or farm shops have soared by 16% and are now worth £108m a year. Patrick Holden, director of the SA, said: "The organic market is thriving and is being driven by consumers who want to buy fresh, local, good-quality seasonal food directly from the farmer. The leading supermarkets must take note of the public's wishes and increase the amount of locally-sourced organic food in store, which should come from small and medium-sized farms." See: www.soilassociation.org.
Local distribution guide
A free guide to distribution designed to help regional food and drink producers find innovative and cost effective routes to market has been produced in response to the continuing problems regional food and drink producers find when it comes to distributing their products. Lack of knowledge in this area continues to be a key barrier to growth. This new guide comprises straight-forward information to help producers understand the distribution options available to them, and provides case studies of innovative solutions that have overcome distribution barriers. To request a copy go to: www.foodfrombritain.com or www.igd.com.
Local Harvest
Oxford, Swindon & Gloucester Co-op's local food scheme, Local Harvest, has been relaunched with the involvement of additional suppliers. The scheme ensures that 20 Co-op stores within OSG's trading area will always stock a range of locally sourced goods. The scheme was introduced last year with just over 100 products from 11 local suppliers. But the project has expanded and now offers around 200 products from 15 suppliers. Source: Plunkett Weekly News
EVENTS
24 & 25 Nov, ‘Routes to Sustainable Growth’, West Yorkshire.
In two weeks time the Plunkett Foundation will hold the Fourth National Rural Social Enterprise Conference. Participative workshops will address themes such as the roles of women in rural social enterprise, sustainable local food systems, the role of older people in rural social enterprise and developing social entrepreneurs. A full programme and booking form are available from the Plunkett Foundation
30 Nov, SW Natural Unit Based Brands Forum, Somerset
Natural Unit Based brands is one of the topics in The Delivery Plan for a Sustainable Farming & Food Industry in South West England. The Countryside Agency has been identified as the Topic Lead for this area of work and are looking to develop a network of individuals, organisations and/or businesses who are willing to help develop this area of work. If you are interested in attending, please email to christine.white@countryside.gov.uk expressing your interest.
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.
