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Appetite for Seasonal Produce Crippled by Supermarket Monopoly

90% of households across the UK would like to buy direct from farmers if they could, generating almost twice as much for the local economy than money spent at the supermarket.
Finance, Food & Drink, Lifestyle - 11 May 2010   Download IconContent available for download:  
Audio | Interview with Keith Abel| Login to Download

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  News Hooks:

53% of the population now buy food directly from farm shops, farmers’ markets, pick-your-own farms and box schemes, which generate £24 to the local economy for every £10 spent, compared to just £14 if the same were spent in a supermarket. The largest supermarket chain sources less than 20% of their 40,000 lines within the UK.

90% of households would like to buy direct from farmers if they could and organic sales in 2009 reached £1.86 billion, 50% higher than five years ago with fresh fruit and vegetables accounting for 26% of this total.

Eating seasonally provides better nutrition and often better taste and lower food miles but young people are detached from seasonality, with a quarter of 16-24 year olds believing that peas and sweet corn are available all year round, compared with just 4% of over 55s. 20% of young people also believe that cauliflowers grow below ground.

. Introduction:

Latest research shows that our reliance on supermarkets has left youngsters out of touch with how our food is grown, when it’s at its best, and what is native to the UK. One in five 16-24 year olds believe that cauliflowers are grown below ground and the same percentage are sure that sweet corn is in season all year round. However, new statistics provide a glimmer of light with the majority of us appearing prepared to fight against supermarket dominance. Most of us want to buy fresh, seasonal and organic produce from our local suppliers and over half of us already manage to realise this aspiration. Farm shops, farmers’ markets, pick-your-own farms and box schemes are becoming more popular and generate significantly more revenue for our local economies too.

So, how can buying from local suppliers increase our understanding of seasonal produce?

Joining us in the studio is Seasonal Produce Expert, Keith Abel, from Abel and Cole.

. Suggested Questions:

How many people in our area are currently buying from farm shops, farmers’ markets, pick-your-own farms and box schemes?

Why is buying from those who source produce from UK suppliers more beneficial to the local economy than stocking-up at your supermarket?

Why are young people so out-of-touch with seasonal produce and are there really any benefits from eating fruit and vegetables in season?

Can buying from local farmers and suppliers really be as convenient as visiting a supermarket?

What fruit and vegetables will be at their best over the coming months?

Where can we find our more information?