27 March 2008

New promotion for local organics  

A network of local organic farmers and growers, Cumbria Organics, has published a new edition of its map and guide, Organic Origins.  The guide encourages people to buy organic food direct from Cumbria Organics producers and to visit organic farms to see sustainable food production for themselves.

download Organic Origins (4.4Mb)

“The first edition of Organic Origins was a big success and has had to be re-printed a couple of time since it was published in June 2005,” said Kate Gascoyne , Network Co-ordinator for Cumbria Organics based within Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency (CREA).  “We wanted to reflect the development of the organic sector with publication of a revised and updated version of the leaflet.  There is now more and different organic food available in the county.  Organic Origins celebrates and promotes this, including a wide range of accredited producers who are selling organic food direct to the public in and around Cumbria .”

One of these is the restaurant at The Village Bakery in Melmerby where the manager, Chris Curry has recognised a trend in supply over the past five years: “I’ve certainly noticed an increase in the availability of quality local organic produce for restaurants and shops since I started managing the restaurant here,” he said.  “We’re very conscious of all our ingredients and have sourced Cumbrian organic flour for many years.  Sourcing organic eggs and vegetables from local businesses has been a recent boost for us. Similarly, we were buying organic meats from Wales but can now buy the quantities and quality that we need much more locally.”	Chris Curry of The Village Bakery, Melmerby with Kate Gascoyne of Cumbria Organics.
Organic accreditation requires producers and farmers to meet and maintain standards that are among the toughest in the farming industry.  Many of those listed in the leaflet are keen to talk to the public about their production methods and are involved in various schemes organising farm walks to show customers around their farms. “The Organic Origins leaflet also tells people more about the products that are available,” said Kate Gascoyne.  “Even if organic factors are not a priority, consumers can also expect to buy the best of seasonal produce with minimal food miles.” Cumbria Organics network members featured in the Organic Origins leaflet include fruit and vegetable growers, dairies, millers and bakers and meat suppliers as well as two organic resource centres and two of the accredited organic guest houses that are now up and running in the county.   “Supplying customers direct from the farm offers advantages to both producer and consumer,” said Peter Kerr of Low Stanger Farm near Cockermouth.  “The price is generally lower than food that has gone through a long supply chain, the produce is fresher and, crucially, a link is established between the producer and the consumer.  Customers know where and how their food has been produced and food miles can be kept to a minimum.” The Organic Origins leaflet is available from Tourist Information Centres across Cumbria and from members of the Cumbria Organics network.  Further information can also be found at www.cumbriaorganics.org.

ENDS  

Cumbria Organics was set up in 1999 to provide self-help support to the increasing number of local farmers converting to organic production.  The group also raises consumer awareness about organic food, helps to develop supply chains and provides technical information for anyone interested in farming to organic standards. 

The Cumbria Organic Hub project is based at Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency (CREA) at Redhills, Penrith.  It has been supported by Leader+ (Cumbria Fells and Dales), Distinctly Cumbrian, the Northern Rock Foundation and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. 

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