❤ LOVE LOCAL ❤
ON LOCAL Last Word
FOODLOVER INVESTIGATES THE IMPORTANCE OF WEST COUNTRY PRODUCERS TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY
The Better Food Company’s Phil Haughton explains why he is full of optimism.
What does the term ‘local food community’ mean to you and why is yours special to you? It’s everyone involved in producing, making, selling and eating local food - that’s a lot of people! Because of where we are geographically, and because of Bristol’s maverick and go-getting culture, there’s a lot going on and it’s a pleasure to be a part of it. There’s such optimism, collaboration and creative opportunism here. I’m currently involved in plans to set up an ‘Agriversity’ just outside Bristol (Beacon Lane Starter Farm in Winterbourne), to skill up the next generation before we forget how to grow good food on a commercial scale.
What inspires you to support your local producers? There is no other way. Unless we become better at feeding ourselves, as geographical communities, wasting less, using what’s around us more, the future is quite bleak. Global warming, peak oil and other impending environmental and economic pressures make it vital to secure more robust food supply chains. Also, there are some amazing people out there producing fabulous food on our doorsteps.
What are your thoughts on the convenience offered by local producers? Our two stores and café use pretty much all local fresh produce, meat, dairy, eggs, plus a lot of local fl our, bread and other groceries. We deal directly with many of
54 | THE WEST COUNTRY FOODLOVER
our local suppliers. Bristol Fruit Market is another hugely important facility, as is The Community Farm in Chew Magna. The networks are there, and so are we, luckily, to make it even easier for consumers to get hold of.
Is buying local becoming more affordable? Yes, and so is buying organic veg. As oil- based industries become more expensive (not to mention transport costs), other less industrialised methods of production become increasingly cost-effective.
How will growth in support for local producers benefi t the local economy? I’ve learnt this from
hanging out with the Bristol Pound team… For every £1 spent at a supermarket, only 10-12p stays in the local economy. Money spent in independent stores stays in local circulation longer, benefi tting our businesses and people. It’s also very appealing to consumers to be eating food from an area they have a connection with, so it works for the heart as well as the pocket.
How can FOODLOVERS get involved with their food communities? There’s so
much going
on in Bristol I don’t know where to start … local shops like ours (see Bristol Independents website for details), St Philips Fruit Market and farmers’ markets are obvious fi rst calls. Look out for the Bristol Food Connections Festival in May. Find out about projects such as Beacon Lane, Feed Bristol, The Community Farm or the Severn Project. Next year, Bristol is European Green Capital – you won’t be able to move for things going on …
Do you feel it’s important that the next generation learn about traceability and food culture? Why? It’s vital. Actually, what’s happened is that our generation (post war baby boomers) have un-learned this stuff. You don’t have to go back very far for knowledge of food production and cooking to have been part of everyday life. We simply cannot put our nutritional and environmental well-being in the hands of fewer and fewer global multinationals. It’s wrong on so many levels.
Last word:
I’m full of optimism. I have experience of both organic farming and retailing, and in recent years, both have gone from strength to strength. There is a real hunger for change and for well-priced, trustworthy food. People care more and more about what they eat and feed their families. Local, fresh, organic and fairly priced food – we all have a right to that, surely?
Phil Haughton Better Food Company
Managing Director
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