Breadcrumbs
Eat the View News Update (21/04/05)
Gourmet Cornwall
This new book by Carol Trewin explores the evolution of Cornish food and drink and at how the historical links between the county's fishing, farming and culture have helped to shape the Cornish landscape and diet for hundreds of years. It is packed full of fascinating insights into Cornwall's food and drink, with some wonderful photographs by Adam Woolfitt and peppered with recipes by tops chefs. The book helps to illustrate how important the production of real food is to preserving and enhancing the character of the landscape in Cornwall. It also celebrates the dedicated men and women who grow and produce food and the chefs who create some of the finest dishes. This book is a 'must-have' for all food enthusiasts. It is published by Alison Hodge on 28 April at £14.95. Go to: www.alison-hodge.co.uk
Supermarkets buying more UK organic food
A new survey by the Soil Association shows that Britain’s leading supermarkets are buying more organic food from UK farmers, but that some are still shunning UK beef and pork producers in favour of cheaper imports. Overall, the amount of organic food sourced from UK farmers rose significantly, from 72% in 2003 to 76% in 2004, for the eight products surveyed. But, the results also show a mixed picture, with significant variations between products, and retailers. The amount of UK organic onions was nearly 20% higher this year than last. Last year only 38% of organic onions were from the UK and this has now risen to 55%. On the other hand, imports of organic apples have increased by 5%. The Soil Association is urging shoppers to support the major retailers who give preference to homegrown produce. See: www.soilassociation.org/web/sa/saweb.nsf?Open
Food Industry Sustainability Strategy
Proposals for ways to improve the food and drink industry's environmental, economic and social performance are detailed in the draft Food Industry Sustainability Strategy (FISS). Defra is currently consulting on the draft FISS which sets out how food and drink manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers and food service providers can improve sustainability by adopting best practice widely in priority areas such as energy, water, waste, food transport and through action on areas such as health and nutrition. See: www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/fiss/index.htm
Big Lottery funding
The Big Lottery Fund has announced its first wave of funding within its new framework to deliver new programmes for 2005 - 2009, the first of which will be introduced later this year. In its Environment programme, funding will include a focus on projects that support and develop community spaces and enterprise, including local food production and farming, with communities helped to grow their own food and set up farmers’ markets. See: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/newsroom/release.aspx?prId=1079
Developing local supplier networks for Greater Manchester Authorities
Report on a project developed as part of Defra's Public Sector Food Procurement Initiative (PSFPI) and building on recent activity for procurers of the Greater Manchester Local Authorities Procurement Partnership (LAPP) and Manchester City Council and local food producers and distributors from the North West. Download report at: www.defra.gov.uk/farm/sustain/procurement/pdf/supplynet-proj.pdf
Melton: rural food capital of Britain?
Ambitious plans for a food heritage centre and mall in Melton have been drawn up and the project could be up and running as early as next year. A feasibility study into the project has been carried out which showed Melton as a viable place to set up a centre. There would be a high quality food mall to serve as a shop outlet for food products from all over the area. There would also be a restaurant where local produce would be used to create imaginative and healthy meals. Schoolchildren from across the East Midlands would be able to use the centre and get hands-on experience of food preparation. See: www.meltonmowbraytoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=752&ArticleID=998434
Food Guide 2005
Containing more than 140 producers and local food outlets, this guide has recently been published by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes, and Oxfordshire (BBO Food Groups). Visit: www.local-food.net to find out more about BBO Food Groups, how to join, and search the on-line list of members to source the best local produce in the area. To receive your free copy of Food Guide 2005, call BBO Food Groups co-ordinator, Tamara Schiopu on 01865 484116 or e-mail: localfood@brookes.ac.uk
EVENTS
18 - 20 May, Identity, Image & Economics - The Principles of Regional Branding, conference, Cork, Ireland
Organised by the West Cork LEADER Co-Op. Queries to jean@westcorkleader.ie
1- 2 June, Suffolk Show
See: www.suffolkshow.co.uk
2- 4 June, Stockport Beer and Cider Festival
See: www.stockportfestival.fsnet.co.uk
4 -5 June, Flavours of Faversham
5 June, Cambridgeshire County Show
See: www.cambscountyshow.co.uk
19 June, British Food and Drink Festival, Kent
See: www.thehopfarm.co.uk
24 -26 June, Herefordshire Beer and Cider Festival
See: www.herefordcamra.org.uk
