More fresh local produce on the way

Herefordshire Council, the Duchy of Cornwall and independent sustainable development charity the Bulmer Foundation have joined forces to ensure that even more locally produced food is available to residents and visitors.

The three organisations have committed to drawing up a food strategy for the county to encourage restaurants, bars, cafes, stallholders and public sector organisations to offer more fresh local produce.

The council is already committed to promoting local produce through the annual food festival and its support for farmers markets, while last year saw the Bulmer Foundation host the first Herefordshire Food Vision conference, which led to the creation of a county-wide food and drink working group.

‘It makes sense on all levels to develop this strategy which will have countless benefits,' said Herefordshire Council cabinet member for economic development and community service, Adrian Blackshaw. ‘It's good for the local economy, good for the environment as we'll be cutting food miles, and better for your health as the food will be farm fresh.'

Supporting local producers was a fundamental part of sustainable development, said projects manager for the Bulmer Foundation, Peter Norton. ‘Setting out a framework for how the county supports its local food industry has the potential to make a huge impact.'