Consumers across the South East will now find it easier to buy fresh, regional produce, find the best farmers' markets and in doing so, support the local economy.
The South East Food Group Partnership (SEFGP) has launched its new website to offer a wealth of information so consumers can find the best local producers in the region.
Visitors to the website can instantly locate local farmers and food and drink producers in the area, as well as find out about food events, festivals and farmers' markets where they sell the produce they have grown, raised or produced themselves.
Henriette Reinders, Director of SEFGP, which promotes regional food,
said:
"Thanks to high profile national campaigns, consumers are becoming ever more aware of where their food comes from and now want to taste wholesome, local food.
"The aim of SEFGP is to help people find out more about buying local produce in the South East. The interest in regional food and how it is produced has increased considerably over the last couple of years. More and more people buy their produce at farmers' markets and local produce outlets such as farm shops. Our region boasts a wealth of local produce, grown, raised and produced with skill and care - we should be proud of it and support it!"
Buying from a farmers' market or farm shop has several benefits:
- the food has not travelled a long distance and will not have much packaging
- there is no middleman so prices are affordable
- payment goes straight into the farmers' or producers' pockets and will be used to further develop their business
- supporting small farmers keeps the countryside alive and invigorates the town centre, bringing the spirit of community back
Also available to download from the new website are 'food trails' showing where the public can find the 'cream of the crop' of certain types of food and drink. The first two trails, showing the best cheese and wine producers, offer a great day out in the region for all the family.
Henriette continued:
"We'd also like to encourage shoppers to support your local farmers - at a time when they are faced with competition from across Europe and challenges to the farming industry in general, such as Foot and Mouth Disease, we should be supporting the small producers in our communities and the economy on our doorstep.
"The tide is definitely changing, people want good food and want to know where it comes from. Our new website will support this positive change and ensure locally produced food is cooked in our homes. We would encourage anyone with an interest in supporting their local producers to register online."
To find out more about the South East Food Group Partnership, please use the link below.
