It is folly to state that the rules for London's farmers' markets are restrictive and uncompetitive without understanding the reasons why they are required ('Harsh rules crush smaller players in the local market', The Grocer, 30 September, p30).
Yes, consumers are looking for quality food with regional provenance. Those living in London now have Borough Market and other regional speciality markets, including a new addition on Islington, as well as shops to buy from, without any restrictions on distance or seller. This is a welcome addition to the range and diversity of food that Londoners can purchase.
However, many people also want to support local farmers and producers in their surrounding area, for which they have a special affinity and affection. These farmers are the custodians of the landscapes and local distinctiveness of these areas which people value.
They have for far too long been at a competitive disadvantage, and anything to tip the scales in favour of local farmers should be applauded. This includes creating markets for them only, thereby delivering economic and social benefits for those areas.
A 100-mile radius around London is plenty of space to harvest a wealth of fresh, local produce all year round.
Many consumers also want to buy food that has travelled as short a distance as possible or has resulted in the lowest amount of greenhouse gases possible from farm to fork.
Food miles, or more accurately the emissions from food transport, are a problem for all of us - including the global fruit importer flying in produce and the regional producer driving to the capital with wild boar sausages. More efficient transport and stronger local produce markets are both solutions.
Yes, consumers are looking for quality food with regional provenance. Those living in London now have Borough Market and other regional speciality markets, including a new addition on Islington, as well as shops to buy from, without any restrictions on distance or seller. This is a welcome addition to the range and diversity of food that Londoners can purchase.
However, many people also want to support local farmers and producers in their surrounding area, for which they have a special affinity and affection. These farmers are the custodians of the landscapes and local distinctiveness of these areas which people value.
They have for far too long been at a competitive disadvantage, and anything to tip the scales in favour of local farmers should be applauded. This includes creating markets for them only, thereby delivering economic and social benefits for those areas.
A 100-mile radius around London is plenty of space to harvest a wealth of fresh, local produce all year round.
Many consumers also want to buy food that has travelled as short a distance as possible or has resulted in the lowest amount of greenhouse gases possible from farm to fork.
Food miles, or more accurately the emissions from food transport, are a problem for all of us - including the global fruit importer flying in produce and the regional producer driving to the capital with wild boar sausages. More efficient transport and stronger local produce markets are both solutions.
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