Breadcrumbs
Eat the View News Update (21/02/06)
Out of the woods.... into the marketplace
Two free marketing guide booklets are now available, produced by the Small Woods Association in partnership with the Countryside Agency, the Forestry Commission England, and the England Forest Industries Partnership. One guide offers advice to small woodland owners on selling and marketing their timber. The other provides guidance to makers of wood products on how to market their products more effectively. They provide sound and realistic advice as a starting point, equipping the reader with basic marketing know-how. Hard copies of the guides are available from the Small Woods Association (Tel: 01743 792644 or email: enquiries@smallwoods.org.uk), or can be downloaded here.
Evaluation of accreditation scheme standards
Report by Land Use Consultants for the Countryside Agency comparing and contrasting the sustainability standards of assurance and accreditation schemes. The report details the findings of the study evaluating the standards of twenty four schemes in the land-based sector, including 'baseline' assurance schemes, 'higher-level' environmental schemes, and 'place-based' schemes. To download the report click here.
Online library of consumer research
The Food Chain Centre recently launched an online library of information about shoppers. The library brings together key information needed to help farmers monitor the market for food and understand how shoppers behave. It is split into five sections: Understanding Consumers; Product Trends; Research Methods; Information and Links; and Case studies. Available at: www.foodchaincentre.com
New rules on geographical indications
Food producers outside the EU will be able to demand protection for their regional food products under new rules proposed by the EC, but countries will no longer have to give similar protection to corresponding European foods in their markets. In another proposed change, producers will be allowed to go straight to the Commission to register products, rather than through the member states' representative. Source: Agra Europe.
Green charcoal
Consumers are being urged to go green this summer with the launch of an environmentally friendly UK-produced charcoal. BioRegional Local Charcoal, has teamed up with distributer Rectella to supply FSC certified charcoal to help conserve traditionally coppiced woodlands. Source: The Grocer
Allotment survey published
A survey of a selection of metals and arsenic in fruit and vegetables grown in allotments has found that they present no risk to consumers' health. See: www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2006/jan/allotfsis
EVENTS
8 March, Setting Up a Farm Shop and Direct Selling from the Farm
This event is part of The Organic Pathfinder Programme in the South East (TOPP), £50 plus VAT for non-members. For more information call 0117 914 2400
19 - 22 March, Food and Drink Expo 2006
www.foodanddrinkexpo.co.uk
31 March - 2 April, Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink
www.visitsouthwest.co.uk/exeterfoodfestival/index.cfm?CFID=43680&CFTOKEN=50876574
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.
