Breadcrumbs
Eat the View News Update (24/09/04)
Cotswolds Choice: Development of environmental criteria for the brand
A new report prepared by Land Use Consultants for the Countryside Agency and the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership describes the development of criteria for the 'Cotswolds Choice' brand. The area-based brand aims to reward high standards of environmental management by farmers and other businesses and links the four elements of product, process, people and place. The report describes the environmental criteria which will lie behind the brand, based on the special qualities of the Cotswolds, proposes a means of accreditating producers to provide the level of assurance that consumers and statutory bodies expect, and suggests how the experience in the Cotswolds can be used to develop a family of brands in other protected areas. The report can be downloaded from: www.countryside.gov.uk/LAR/Landscape/ETV/research/promotion.asp.
Distribution of local food activity in England and Wales: an index of food relocalisation.
This new research note from the Countryside Agency, based on research by PhD student Jane Ricketts Hein of Coventry University, provides initial insights into the geography of local food activity in England and Wales through the application of an 'Index of Food Relocalisation'. Developed through the use of indicators relating to both production and marketing dimensions of local food activities, results suggest a complex geography of local food supply systems with the domination of the South West and, to a lesser extent, the South East, whilst Wales and the North tend to score poorly, except for North Yorkshire and Cumbria. To download the research note, go to: www.countryside.gov.uk/LAR/Landscape/ETV/research/localfood.asp.
Eating Biodiversity
A new project, titled 'Eating Biodiversity' and led by the Centre for Rural Research at University of Exeter, will investigate the links between quality food production and biodiversity protection. The biodiversity of grazing areas will be evaluated to determine herbage feeding value, including mineral composition of soil and herbage with particular note being taken of pasture species recognized as having effects on product quality. For beef and lamb products, fatty acid composition and vitamin E will be measured. The land-use management and rural development implications of quality food production chains will be assessed and recommendations for regulatory and management practices made. See: www.esrc.ac.uk/relu/funding_phase1.asp.
Organic feel good factor
New research suggests that buying organic food can make people feel better, even before they eat any of it. Supermarket chain Sainsbury's says simply making the choice to buy organic can induce a sense of well-being. Consumers told the company in focus groups that buying organic gave them more control over what they eat. Sales of organic food have now topped £1bn annually, with the market growing twice as fast as that for conventional groceries. Source: BBC.
Apple juice powered cars
A group of farmers in Herefordshire are investigating the possibility of using alcohol made from surplus apples in the production of bio-diesel. They have secured funding from the regional development agency Advantage West Midlands for a feasibility study. The farmers want to find a new market for fruit which is not needed to make cider so they can protect orchards. Source: BBC.
EVENTS
9/10 October, Skipton Local Produce Festival
A celebration of local food and crafts including farmers' market, cookery demonstrations, and competitions. Contact: 01756 792809.
25/26 October, Protected Areas Branding Forum 2004: making the links between local products and landscapes, Losehill Hall, Derbyshire
This two-day conference organised by the Countryside Agency in association with the Peak District National Park Authority will explore opportunities for using the provision of environmental benefits as a marketing advantage for products from protected areas. The event will include speakers, workshops examining a number of initiatives in protected areas, tours to Award Holders of the Peak District Environmental Quality Mark, and delicious local food and drink. The event is intended to particularly benefit people from National Parks, AONBs and LEADER+ projects engaged or interested in area-based product marketing/accreditation schemes.
