Local Food

CPRE believe that people should be able to walk into a shop, supermarket or restaurant and find high-quality, affordable local food that:
• comes from the nearby countryside
• is produced in a way that benefits the environment – or at the very least does not harm it.

At the same time we believe it is important that the Public see the value of local foods and have confidence in local food labelling.

We meet with farming and rural business organisations in the West Midlands, such as the National Farmers Union and Country, Land and Business Association to promote that vision. Both have specific campaigns promoting local produce.

The Big Lottery is currently funding a programme called Making Local Food work which aims to 'reconnect people and land through local food increasing access to fresh, healthy, local food with clear, traceable origins'.

As part of this CPRE is working with Sustain on a project called, Mapping Local Food Webs which aims to give people the materials and support to ‘map’ – research and record - networks of farmers and growers, processors, suppliers, local food shops, as well as other local food providers such as farmers markets, box schemes, community supported agriculture and food cooperatives, through to consumers.

These findings should help us understand links between producers and consumers, and the benefits they bring to people in urban and rural areas. By raising awareness, the project should strengthen support for local food production and for better availability.
Six pilot mapping projects have started in each of the English regions. The West Midlands pilot is taking place in Kenilworth. It will then be rolled out to other locations in the area.
People wishing to volunteer on the mapping project will be supported by a Regional Coordinator who will offer training, guidance and support.

You can find out more or get involved by contacting the West Midlands Regional Coordinator, Rachel Harries, Tel: 07833 250135, email: rachelh@cpre.org.uk

29.01.09