CPRE Somerset Branch is a registered charity no. 1100860. A company limited by guarantee reg. No. 04755482
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In spite of the unprecedented loss of Grade 1 Agricultural land, the foolish policy that saw the wholesale destruction of ancient orchards, the baleful growth of intensively reared animals, Somerset is still a county blessed with the highest quality of traditionally reared meat, internationally acclaimed dairy products, orchards with treasured old fashioned varieties of apples, farm shops and markets, boutique vineyards, as well as the eponymous Somerset cider producers.
This fighting spirit has led to a multitude of fresh local and affordable products. The growth of the fine dining industry headed by chefs with award winning restaurants, bistros, and cafés has demanded quality products locally sourced. This symbiotic partnership shows little sign of abating.
CPRE Somerset's Position - CPRE Somerset's vision is that everyone should be able to walk into a shop, supermarket or restaurant and find high-quality, affordable local food which is produced in a way that benefits the environment, or at the very least does not harm it
CPRE Somerset is committed to do the following:
- To encourage the buying of all food from within a radius of 20km/12 miles
- To press for legislative change to ensure clear, thorough and simple labelling to show the source/location of the food, enabling consumers to make informed decisions about the food they buy.
- To highlight projects such as Somerset Farmers Markets and Somerset Community Food that aim to develop local food economies and decrease the distance food travels. The local food economy underpins the economic viability of the countryside, its market towns and villages and the environment as a whole.
- To lobby local supermarkets to increase local purchasing, to cut food transport distances, and to promote locally sourced foods.
- To press supermarkets to rethink their excessive packaging and to use recyclable materials as a matter of course.
- To encourage planning authorities to protect and spare from development the best and most versatile agricultural land, an increasingly scarce natural (soil) resource.
- To encourage farmers to sell directly to the consumer.
How Will CPRE Somerset Achieve These Goals?
Through direct, active contact with all the interested groups, from planners, farmers, producers, to supermarkets. This is an area where active CPRE members can take a lead after agreement with the CPRE Chairman. Letters, newspaper articles, magazines (including in-house supermarket magazines) and personal contact are all positive means to the ends.
The new website will continue to expand and begin to feature stories on its home page where local Somerset people and businesses have met these goals.
CPRE Somerset could present 'awards' to businesses who comply with the CPRE food vision. This could be in the form of a certificate and decals. Recipients will be mentioned on the website and CPRE Somerset will issue press releases to local papers, radio and TV.
Local Food
Branch Position Statement
