Last week, BBC News reported that environment secretary Owen Paterson had raised questions at an Oxford Farming Conference about why 24% of the food eaten in the UK is imported.
The report outlined how Paterson was calling on more of us to buy British fruit and vegetables to “improve the nation’s health, help the environment and boost the economy” and for farmers and manufacturers to “take action to encourage consumers” – all the while sourcing 43% meat from abroad in his own departmental canteen.
But while the government may still be on the back foot, it seems the rest of us have become savvier shoppers. A study carried out this week by Which? magazine found that 49% of shoppers have changed their shopping habits since the horsemeat scandal, with 17% buying more from local butchers and farmers' markets.
Local Food Surrey took a straw poll of its own local suppliers and producers to find out what they made of Owen Patterson’s comments and their shoppers’ habits …
Chris Robinson, Chalk Hills Bakery, Priory Farm, South Nutfield, Surrey
“I think shoppers should be encouraged to buy more local and home grown provisions – it makes sense economically and environmentally.”
Ashleigh Kington, Rhubarb and Bramley, grocer, High Street, Carshalton, Surrey
“It's been no secret how hard conditions have been for farmers. I think the public will be more willing to buy locally and from independent retailers if they are made aware of the benefits and how it makes a huge difference to both growers and independent retailers.”
Cherie Williams, Yours Locally, local produce delivery scheme, Lower Kingswood, Tadworth, Surrey
“Any initiative that raises awareness is a good thing and support from a government minister will have a far greater reach. However, to put the onus on our farmers and producers is ill judged and the government needs to lead by example – something Mr Paterson’s own canteen is not doing.
As a nation, we tend to follow the flock and if those that are in a position of power were to be brave enough to make changes, others would follow. While people love our concept, changing their shopping habits of a lifetime takes time. The supermarkets hold far too much power.”
Michaela Edge, Norbury Blue Cheese, Norbury Park Farm, Mickleham, Surrey
“Good on him for supporting British farmers. We should all be aware of this and also of eating seasonally but the government should be making it easier for small businesses like ours to get grants and subsidies.
We do tastings each weekend and a cheese and wine-making experience with Denbies Wine Estate every third Thursday of the month so people can meet the cows and taste the cheese. It’s a great way for them to reconnect with local food.”
William Walton, Outwood Butchers, Brickfield Road, Outwood
“A lot of our customers ask where out meat comes from and are pleased when I tell them I know where each piece came from. I think the government could do more for small suppliers, especially those that have to compete with local supermarkets.“
Ben Thompson, Garsons Farm Shop and Pick Your Own, West End, Esher
“We feel we’re doing our bit to educate the customer and fly the flag for buying British – after all, what better way to reduce food miles, and see first hand how it's grown, than to pick your own?”
Will Edwards, Priory Farm Shop, Nutfield, Surrey
"Sourcing British products is at the heart of our ethos here at Priory Farm - for instance, 100% of our fresh meat is sourced from British farms, many of them within a 40 mile radius of the farm shop."
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