❤ LOVE LOCAL ❤ ON LOCAL Last Word
WE ASK GREG PARSONS, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF CRICKETER FARM FOR HIS THOUGHTS ON THE LOCAL ECONOMY…
What does the term ‘local food community’ mean to you and why is yours special to you? As a cheese maker, our most important local food community has to be our group of 30 Somerset and Devon dairy farmers. Every day we collect milk direct from their farms, all dotted within a 50 mile radius of our Nether Stowey headquarters and without them, we would not have the sheer quality and volume of milk we need to make our Cheeky Cow half fat mature cheese and our other Cheddars.
What inspires you to support your local producers? As you can probably tell we are hugely proud of our Somerset heritage and identity, so to be able to support all of the above groups and initiatives is extremely important to us.
There’s no doubt we have some of the best producers and food & drink in the world but without demand from consumers, and subsequent support from retailers, we risk losing a vital industry that gives us such a rich and unique identity. Having grown up in the South West and worked in the food and drink sector all my life, to continue our region’s rich food heritage is something that fi res me up every single day.
What are your thoughts on the convenience off ered by local producers? We are never far from our next locally
52 | THE WEST COUNTRY FOODLOVER
produced nibble or tipple, whether it’s a fresh pasty or bottle of cider, thanks to the sheer number of excellent West Country farm shops and outlets. While the convenience off ered by supermarkets does provide a challenge to these outlets, research shows more and more of us shop on the go, where convenience is key. Add this to the fact that supermarkets are also increasingly recognising (it’s taken a while!) the huge consumer demand for locally produced food and drink and we have a perfect storm where savvy farm shops and local produce outlets can thrive!
Is buying local becoming more aff ordable?
Infamous supermarket BOGOF deals and special off ers make it very diffi cult for farm shops and local stores to compete on every type of product, but I fi nd shopping in local outlets almost always means better value for money. Even if something should prove more expensive than mainstream products, it’s usually higher in quality, so the value I’m getting far outweighs the small incremental cost of purchasing it. A great example of this is Greendale Shop just outside Exeter where the sheer amount of produce on off er from their own farm and the region’s producers means you can literally do your weekly shop there. It is a true blueprint that I urge any West Country farm shop to aspire to.
How can FOODLOVERS get involved with their food communities? It’s pretty obvious that shopping in farm shops, grocers, butchers and any outlet sourcing local produce will help but it’s also important to eat at restaurants and cafes you know are sourcing locally. Why opt for a chain serving Argentinian steaks rather than an independent restaurant serving prime West Country steak??
Do you feel it’s important that the next generation learn about traceability and food culture? Why? Being cheese makers and sourcing milk from our local farmers, this couldn’t be more on our agenda. This is why we continue to work with Bridgwater College to help inspire the next generation of farmers and cheese makers, which is fundamental to the prosperous
future of our agricultural sector, not least the UKs eff orts to reduce the risk of food shortages. We are also supporters of the LACA Family Food Appreciation Workshops and recently coordinated an event at Topsham School in Devon to get parents and children cooking and learning together.
Last word: Locally produced food and drink off ers real value, quality and helps support our economy…why would you want anything else on your plate!
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