The Last Word on Local
A WINNING VIEW ON THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORTING LOCAL, ENGAGING WITH THE FOOD LOVING COMMUNITY AND SUPPORTING THE ECONOMY. LAGAN FARM SHOP WAS VOTED BEST FARM SHOP IN THE TASTE OF DORSET AWARDS
What does the term ‘local food community’ mean to you and why is yours special to you? Food is central to life! And I have always believed you should make the most of what you have. I am accused of eating things that generally aren’t fit to be eaten or that I have a jaded palate but I defend my broad range of tastes . We are lucky enough to live in an area where good fresh food is available the year round, and I know how hard people work to produce it. The ethos for our farm shop is ' fresh seasonal and local' and I have nothing but admiration for the people who get good food to our table.
What inspires you to support your local producer? Local production is vital. I would rather eat ash than eat green beans from Kenya in January. We have good fertile soils and a great climate, good enough to feed our local population. Why waste any of it? We actively support local producers through the farm shop from bread to vegetables and ice cream, cheese and to our own fantastic quality meat.
What are your thoughts on convenience offered by local producers? We are all in the shadow of the large multiple retailers who sourced products from all over. Local producers are smart enough to be able to offer products when they are wanted not just when they have them. Independent local producers adapt to compete and maintain their visibility in the consumer’s eye.
Is buying local becoming more affordable?
Same applies. ...... In many cases local is way better value than the supermarkets can offer. For example Lagan farm shop
58 | THE WESTCOUNTRY FOODLOVER
only too willing to talk about. Food festivals abound in the area and that is the food lover’s opportunity to engage with the food producers. At our own Lagan Farm Shop we constantly offer our customers the chance to ‘meet the producer’ to taste and talk about the product with the people who make it. These events are always hugely popular and allow the producer and the customer to understand each other.
Do you feel it’s important that the next generation learn about traceability and food culture? Why?
It is absolutely vital for youngsters to understand how food is produced and to know that they can grow things themselves that taste good and do them good. Grow your own is part and parcel of all
Richard Cumming, Managing Director Orchard Park Garden Centre & Lagan Farm Shop
sells top quality beef, sustainable farmed, properly hung and butchered at prices the supermarkets couldn't match for the ‘same’ quality.
How will a growth in support for local producers benefit the local economy? Supporting local production puts revenue back into the local community. This benefits everyone; I am sure we would all rather live in a vibrant healthy community than in a dormitory town.
“At our own Lagan Farm Shop we constantly offer our customers the chance to ‘meet the producer’ to taste and talk about the product with the people who make it”
How can FOODLOVERS get involved with their food communities? We are fortunate in this area to be surrounded by a wealth of local food producers who often have years of experience and knowledge that they are
this as it provides that close-up experience with the soil and living things. We have good contacts with local schools as well as providing advice to experienced and novice gardeners alike. As individuals we have more opportunities to grow fruit and veg than animal products although as a family we have kept goats at odd times and chickens consistently over the past 30 years. I can't imagine life without a few hens around! The other important aspect is the skills and knowledge of how to work with food, preparing interesting meals. We have some really excellent cooking programmes, especially the Masterchef series that inspire young cooks.
Your Last Word It is a privilege to be able to
have access to good food, to know where it comes from and to know how to deal with it. As an independent food retailer I believe we have a responsibility to our customers but it is such an exciting prospect! F
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