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London Food Link
Farmer’s E-bulletin November 2007

November

New faces boost sustainable food in the capital

Three new faces will be helping to boost the procurement of local and UK produce in the capital’s catering sector.

Pamela Brunton is the new coordinator for the Good Food Training in London project. Her remit is to persuade public sector bodies to train catering staff to understand the importance of procuring sustainably-produced food and using seasonal, local food. The aim is to improve the quality and sustainability of the food on offer in institutions such as hospitals, care homes, schools and prisons in London. Buyers and decision makers will be encouraged to attend courses to ensure that they grasp the importance of buying local food, to help the environment and the local economy.

The LDA has financed this project which is run with Sustain and the Greenwich Cooperative Development Agency.  To find out more contact Pamela 0207 837 1228 or email pamela@sustainweb.org.

A new business development manager has taken up the reins at New Covent Garden Market. Tom Beeston has been jointly employed by the South East Food Group Partnership (SEFGP) and New Covent Garden Market (NCGM). Tom’s job is to increase the amount of produce from the South East that is sold via NCGM.  This will benefit both the region’s producers the people of London, who will get to eat more high quality, fresh, local food.  Tom will also be looking to establish a sustainable food hub at the market. To find out more contact Tom via email info@tombeeston.com.

Penny Beauchamp has now replaced Stephen Taiwo as PSFPI (Public Sector Food Procurement Initiative) coordinator for London.  Each region has its own coordinator tasked with encouraging schools, hospitals and other institutions to purchase more local, sustainable produce.  Penny will be working very closely with the public sector, producers, New Covent Garden Market and partners including Sustain and her regional counterpart, Melissa Love, of South East Food Group Partnership.  Penny’s email at Goverment Office London is penny.beauchamp@gol.gsi.gov.uk

Capital consideration as Rural Development Programme for England takes shape

Farmers, growers and foresters across the South East are currently devising plans to target European rural development funding towards sustainable land management and food production. They are involved in a process of shaping the new Rural Development Programme for England – a key mechanism by which European money will be delivered to rural communities. Much of the money is ‘modulated funds’ that have been siphoned away from farm support following the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and the abolition of production-based farm subsidies in 2005.

The RDPE is jointly funded by the EU, through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the UK Government. It has Environmental Stewardship at its heart and aims to enhance the rural environment, providing funds to support farming, forestry, food processing and marketing, renewable energy supply chains, climate change and a new Leader programme.

The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) officially runs from 2007 to 2013, but the hard work is underway now, largely via ‘the Leader approach’. This sees the formation of around 20 Local Action Groups, mainly linked to Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty including the Surrey Hills and the Kent Downs. Action groups are following up expressions of interest by submitting bids to the development agency, SEEDA, by January 18, 2008.

The enormous potential of the capital as a marketplace for local food, renewable energy supplies and timber products won’t be overlooked!  Moves continue to improve collaboration among small producers on the distribution of branded local food into London. The Forestry Commission champions sustainable timber products for construction, wood-fuel (biomass heating) and fencing.  The South East is England’s most wooded region, with around 10,000 woodland owners, many of them farmers, who could manage their woods more sustainably and profitably.  A key exemplar of a sustainable wood building is London Underground’s Hounslow East tube station with its striking twin barrel-shaped roofs. 


Roots and Shoots fairs looking for stallholders

Roots and Shoots are looking for stallholders to attend their popular fairs – food producers, artisans, crafts men and women welcome! The next event, a special Christmas Fair, will take place on 9th December.  For further details and a booking form contact Peggy Dean 07931 597 569 or log on to http://www.rootsandshoots.org.uk/


Foot and mouth disease, bluetongue and now avian influenza

It goes without saying that farmers affected by bluetongue, foot and mouth or avian influenza are facing a challenging time - the NFU is doing its best to represent them and help individuals navigate through a maze of red tape.  London, East Anglia and the South East have a myriad of disease restrictions placed on them and export restrictions remain on some farmers in the South East until mid December.  Check the DEFRA website http://www.defra.gov.uk/ for details.  NFU members can sign up for regular email updates from NFU South East, by citing a membership number, tel: 01730 711950 – one-to-one advice is also available to members.  NFU members can also ring the NFU Callfirst helpline 0870 845 8458 and log on to http://www.nfuonline.com/  


Foodie events – find out what’s on

For an up to date list of food related events go to http://www.localfoodfinder.org/
South east events are on www.southeastenglandfoodanddrink.co.uk/events
                                                          

Local food finder for London launched – is your business listed? 

In October, London Food Link launched http://www.londonfoodlink.org/ - an online directory to help businesses in London locate food produced in and around the capital.  This new service is responding to the increasing number of enquiries London Food Link is getting from businesses looking for sustainable local produce.

Thanks to this new directory, London buyers will now be able to find information on a huge range of local and sustainable producers, searching by criteria such as product type, location and delivery area. This is the first time that information on such a wide variety of producers local to London has been made available in one place.  London’s businesses will now be able to search for products that are local to London without having to search one county at a time.

There is no charge for producers and suppliers to be listed in the local food finder.  To see the criteria that businesses must meet to be listed on the local food finder, see http://www.londonfoodlink.org/. Full contact details of businesses listed will only be made available to London Food Link members. To join, call Ben Reynolds: 020 7837 1228 or email ben@sustainweb.org


Buyer/supplier event New Covent Garden - rescheduled 

‘A Celebration of Local Food’ - a meet the buyer / supplier event at New Covent Garden Market was put on hold in October owing to foot and mouth disease. The new date for this event, organised by South East Food Group Partnership with English Farming and Food Partnerships (EFFP), is now February 6, 2008.

The event will bring together the best producers and growers from Hampshire, the Garden of England, the Surrey Hills, the Thames Valley and Chilterns, the Isle of Wight and East Anglia.  Not only will it be an excellent opportunity for producers to meet at the largest wholesale market in the country – there will be a chance to link up with buyers from both the public and private sectors.  Guided tours of the market commence at 6.30am and oysters will be served for breakfast from 8am.  Lunch will be prepared by city chef Anton Edelman, showcasing produce available from the market.

Jenny Jones, chair of the London Food Board, will open proceedings at 11am.  Then the EFFP share to supply conference will follow and case studies will be provided to illustrate how producers are successfully supplying the food service sectors in London and the South East. Food for thought will be provided on how

Local food producers who attend will meet buyers from every type of food catering operation – from top restaurants to school canteens and everything in between – there’ll be a buyer for every type of food.  To book a stand (as a supplier) or a place (as a buyer) please contact hayley@sol.gb.com or call Hayley on 023 9245 2288.


Year of food and farming 

The media launch of the Year of Food and Farming http://www.yearoffoodandfarming.org.uk/ in September was overshadowed by the re-emergence of foot and mouth disease in Surrey.  But countless educational events went ahead to mark the start of the Year, with great success. Awareness of the initiative among teachers is increasing and an array of free resources is available.
 
The Farming to Food Show 27th and 28th September, got off to a fine start with organiser Jane O'Neill, an NFU member from Sussex, driving geese to City Hall. The show at Potters Field provided Londoners with an opportunity to better understand how food is produced. The Countryside Foundation for Education invited schools and around 2000 youngsters attended. The event was supported by FACE, the Farming and Countryside Education programme, http://www.face-online.org.uk/ , along with the NFU with its national NFU Food and Farming Roadshow. The show promises to be even bigger and better next year.


Real Food Festival 

The Real Food Festival is a brand new four day event taking place at Earls Court Exhibition Centre on 24-27 April 2008.

The event will have the principles of slow food at its core and bring thousands of people closer to carefully selected food and drink that is good, clean and fair.
It’s a unique new event because

If you would like to find out more or participate at the Real Food Festival either as an exhibitor or sponsor please contact the team. If you’d like to know more about the event go to http://www.realfoodfestival.co.uk/ or contact Rebecca Sullivan tel: 020 7471 1080/07872 068 441 or email rebeccas@brandevents.co.uk


Why beef and sheep farming matters 

The prime minister, Gordon Brown, joined with the NFU, environment and consumer organisations in launching Why Beef and Sheep Farming matters in Westminster this month.  This new NFU initiative highlights the current crisis facing the beef and sheep sectors and signpost consumers to British beef and lamb, denoted by the Red Tractor logo and Eblex Quality Standard marks.  It has the support of The Townswomen’s Guild, the Women’s Food and Farming Union, the National Council of Women, the English Beef and Lamb Executive (Eblex), the Campaign To Protect Rural England and Farmers’ Guardian.  London celebrity chef Oliver Rowe was among those to call for both consumers and caterers to buy British.

The campaign calls for a fair price for beef and sheep farmers, who produce the finest quality meat in the world. A survey* has shown 72 per cent of shoppers want to buy British beef and lamb, and 80 per cent believe supermarkets should offer farmers a fair deal.

But unless the farm gate price increases, the farmers who rear the key ingredients for a traditional British Sunday roast could disappear, their products being replaced by cheap imports with a high carbon footprint.

NFU President Peter Kendall told journalists: “It doesn’t surprise me at all that the vast majority of consumers want to buy British beef and lamb.  But the plain fact is that unless farmers’ prices start to rise, to fill the yawning gap between what it costs to produce beef cattle and sheep and what farmers are paid for them, British beef and lamb will become niche products.”

“That will be bad for consumers, bad for farming, bad for employment in the meat industry and bad for the countryside.  That is why we are calling on people who care about where their beef and lamb comes from, and the countryside where it is produced, to put pressure on the supermarkets to start the process of lifting farmers’ prices to a sustainable level.”

A supermarket pressure card is available online at http://www.whyfarmingmatters.co.uk/


MLC local authority procurement survey

The Meat and Livestock Commission recently surveyed every local education authority in the country to assess its attitude to sustainable procurement. So, do local authorities buy local food and if not, why not? Significant findings included:

The conclusion is that there is still a lot of work to be done, but local authorities are getting the message that they should be demanding local, assured meat, regardless of financial, environmental or social concerns.  As demand for sustainable food increases, so supply must match it – if you’re a farmer / grower considering supplying the public sector in London or the south east contact rosie@sustainweb.org or call Sustain on 0207 837 1228.  The market is worth £2 billion pounds per annum, the sector is legally obliged to pay you on time and demand is less likely to be affected by economic downturn than if you were supplying the private sector.  To find out more about the survey contact Tony Goodger of the MLC tony_goodger@mlc.org.uk


Greater London Low Emission Zone 

The Greater London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) will take effect on February 4, 2008. The London Mayor, Ken Livingstone, hopes to deter the most polluting diesel-engined lorries, coaches and large vans from driving within the city.  This new Zone will affect farms within its boundaries and farmers and growers who are using vehicles to do business in London within the Low Emission Zone. If a vehicle visits your farm to deliver feed or pick up livestock, for example, or you have a van driving produce to a market in the city, a charge of up to £200 will apply if that vehicle does not meet the LEZ standards.  Vehicles designed mainly for off-road use, such as agricultural tractors, mowing machines and cranes, are exempt. Custom-built showman’s vehicles are also exempt. The emissions standards of your vehicle can usually be determined from the date of its first registration as new, which is shown on the vehicle’s registration certificate, known as a V5C. The M25 motorway is not included in the LEZ. For details see www.tfl.gov.uk/lezlondon or call 0845 607 0009.


City Harvest Festival

The sun shone as urban gardeners and farmers from across the capital enjoyed the 8th City Harvest Festival, highlighting food produced in London. Set in the beautiful grounds of Capel Manor in Enfield, this family event is as close as London gets to its own county show, complete with animals and produce from across the city being used in cookery demonstrations.  The show was co-ordinated by the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens (FCFCG - www.farmgarden.org.uk/) and London Food Link (http://www.londonfoodlink.org/ ). 

Kentish Town City Farm in Camden had already planted grain in containers to show where flour comes from and link with the bread-making demonstrations on the day.  Visitors could also watch sheep dog demonstrations (using ducks instead of sheep because of the FMD restrictions), craft demonstrations and the judging of the city farms finest ponies, donkeys and poultry.  If you’d like to attend next year’s festival, contact Ben Reynolds of London Food Link – email: ben@sustainweb.org

 

 

June

1. Stallholders needed for publicans’ event 

The British Institute of Innkeepers www.bii.org/ wishes to invite local food producers to have stalls at its annual summer meeting and barbeque on July 23 at the Pub On The Park, London Fields, Hackney. The event is expected to draw 100-200 publicans from London and Essex.  There is no charge for producers to attend, but stallholders will need to bring their own stalls and tables as equipment will not be provided.  If you’re interested in promoting your produce to pub restaurants, please contact Angela on adyas@tcch.ac.uk or 020 7613 9292.

2. New farm shop on London fringe 

Fresh fruit and vegetables are now being sold direct to consumers at Stanhill Farm on Birchwood Road, Wilmington, seven days a week. The new farm shop is open from 9am until 5.30pm during summer. 

The venture has been launched by Toby and Max Williams who grow beans, courgettes and cabbages for supermarkets and already run a Pick-Your_Own for local people.   Ready for picking now are strawberries and gooseberries, with raspberries, blackberries, red and black currants following shortly.  Cabbages, courgettes, broad and runner beans, and marrows are also being sold through the shop this year.

Max Williams said: “There is immense interest in local food, driven by concern about food miles and how far food travels from farm to plate.  We hope local people will take advantage of our new retail outlet as it will allow them to buy fresh fruit and veg right on their doorsteps.”

All produce grown on the farm is assured and meets Red Tractor and Leaf marque standards. For details contact Toby or Max Williams on tel 01322 669711 m/f..

3.Regional menus at Borough Market

The South East Food Group Partnership has worked with Roast restaurant in Borough Market to set up a promotion of South East Food and Drink from September 12 until October 3. In parallel with the promotion at Roast, Borough Market has made six stalls available for producers to sell their products. The Green Market will feature producers from the South East on the Fridays and Saturdays. Roast’s head Cook Lawrence Keogh is highly enthusiastic and he plans to tour producers’ stalls to trace and taste the raw ingredients used in his dishes. 

4. Food and Health conference, City University 

Top level speakers are expected to address this one-day conference at City University entitled ‘Food and health – why the conflicts?’ on July 3, 2007.  They include Tim Lang, professor of food policy at City University. The event is being organised by The Chartered Institute of Marketing’s Food, Drink and Agriculture Group, with support from Nexus Communications Group.  Debates will focus on obesity, modern food provision and healthy living, the role of bodies including the Food Standards Agency and who manufacturers should respond to these issues. The conference is aimed at food and drink manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, food marketers, Government advisers, NGOs and health professionals.  Costs are £100 plus VAT for CIM members and non members must pay £150 plus VAT. The fee includes lunch and refreshments. For details see http://www.cim.co.uk/ or you can ring CIM on: 0141 221 7700 email cimeventsadmin@cim.co.uk

5. Single Payment Scheme 

The Single Payment Scheme has continued to take up a disproportionate amount of NFU staff time. Whilst the process for the 2007 application has been relatively straightforward, we are still assisting with problems going right back to the initial implementation of the scheme! At the present time, the RPA are continuing to correct 2005 SPS claims although this is taking a lower priority to getting the majority of the 2006 money by the 30 June payment window to avoid further EU fines. There were a total of 29,847 2005 claims that have needed to be reassessed, with 29,408 now having gone through the assessment process with 18,499 needing correction. There were also a number of overpayments made and whilst these have yet to be recovered, the RPA is on the case! There are still 1,900 claimants who had not received any SPS payment for 2006.

And in the meantime, a “head of steam” is building up ahead of the “health check” of the current CAP next year. This is not envisaged as a full-scale reform (we already had that!!), but more as an assessment of how the new system is implemented across member states with a view to harmonization and simplification. The NFU has put forward a number of discussion points including abolition of set aside. It has always been our view that there is no place for the production control that is set aside, when support has been de-coupled from production. With the increasing pressures on demand from the biofuel sector, we are going to need every acres of productive land in production before not too very long.

6. New Covent Garden Market to house procurement officer

A new three-year project aims to boost the volume of South East produce sold into the London food service sector and the public sector in the capital.  Covent Garden Market Authority (CGMA) and the South East Food Group Partnership (SEFGP) are appointing a ‘business development executive’ with funding from the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA). The post-holder will be based at the Market and use it as a distribution hub for product from the South East region.

The aims are to:

New Covent Garden Market (NCGM) is the UK’s premier wholesale market for fresh produce (fruit, vegetables and flowers) and it also houses the largest concentration of catering distributors in the country. Many distributors at NCGM handle a range of goods beyond fruit and vegetables, from fresh, chilled and frozen product to semi-prepared and processed produce and also dried goods, dairy items, packaged meats and fish.

Compared to national operators, the Market’s operators are small and they offer quality, service and flexibility as well as specialisms, such as organic supplies.  One of these companies, Chef’s Connection, has just won Foodservice Supplier of the Year.

This project fits within the scope of the London Food Strategy, in particular it has the potential to develop NCGM as a consolidation point for South East produce for onward delivery into London’s food service sector, leading to fewer ‘white van’ miles.  It will enable producers to focus on their core strengths and capitalize on the existing sales and distribution network at NCGM.

On October 3, New Covent Garden Market will host an open day for food producers and caterers. There will be ‘meet the buyer’ sessions, tours, talks and good food!

For information about this project or about the role of Business Development Executive please contact: Helen Evans, CGMA tel: 020 7501 3487 helen.evans@cgma.gov.uk  or Henriette Reinders, SEFGP tel: 023 9245 2288 henriette@sefgp.co.uk

7. The Soil Association initiates consultation on air-freighting organic food 

The Soil Association Standard's Board has decided to consult on a range of options to tackle the environmental impact of air-freighting organic food, ranging from labelling produce and carbon offsetting to an outright ban on airfreighting. This process will lead to a formal recommendation to the Soil Association elected council within 12 months. The Soil Association, as an independent certification body, will introduce through its standards whatever measures are deemed appropriate – regardless of any parallel actions taken by the British Government or the European Union.

8. Tenders for 2012 

NFU South East has ensured that it is on the tender list for the 2012 Olympics so that it can monitor any business opportunities for members. We will also be working with English Farming and Food Partnerships to see if there is any scope for setting up any collaborative ventures for growers.

9. Acton Farmers’ Market 

London's latest farmers’ market opened at 9am on Saturday 12th May in the fabulous new public square at the heart of Acton.

The purpose built square on Acton High Street / King Street made an excellent location for the new farmers’ market. With a choice of over 20 stalls there were delicious organic & outdoor reared meat, game in season, dairy, juice, freshly caught fish, plants & flowers, hand made preserves, soft fruit & top fruit, herbs, bread and cakes from local west London bakeries, free range eggs, and the freshest vegetables and salads.
For more information, visit http://www.lfm.org.uk/acton.asp

11. Your comments needed on Draft Regional Enterprise Strategy 

SEEDA, the South East of England Development Agency, is consulting on its Draft Regional Implementation Plan for the Regional Economic Strategy (RES). It may be of interest to those farming around the capital. The most relevant section is entitled Rural and Land-Based Interest Groups. This section sets out priorities for the land-based sector.

9. London restaurant goers hungry for change 

London’s restaurants are missing out on a booming market for local and ethical food, according to London Food Link’s new report, One Planet Dining: London’s growing market for eating out sustainably.

“In the coming years, more and more people will be interested in the provenance of restaurant food - local food and sustainability will be key,” says Geetie Singh, founder and managing director of the world’s first organic certified pub, the Duke of Cambridge in Islington. “Restaurants that don’t recognise this will be left behind.”

British consumers are increasingly concerned about the ethics of the food they buy, with a 2006 Mintel report revealing people spend more than £2 billion on ‘ethical foods’, including organic, Fairtrade, and locally grown food and free-range eggs – an increase of 62% on 2002. While the retail sector has started to respond to these consumer concerns, so far the hospitality sector has lagged behind.  With Britons now spending more on out-of-home meals than on grocery shopping and eating more out-of-home meals than any other country including the US, the potential market for sustainable dining in London is huge. 

Many restaurant owners, while keen to exploit this growing market opportunity, lack the information and skills to do so.  “We rarely came across examples of restaurants or suppliers that had been offered professional support to promote sustainability,” said Ben Reynolds, coordinator of London Food Link.  One Planet Dining therefore recommends:

Download or order a paper copy of One Planet Dining from the Sustain publications catalogue: www.sustainweb.org/publications

12. Restaurants put the environment on the menu 

Ethical Eats is a new network of the capital’s eateries brought together by London Food Link to champion the ethical approach to catering.

At its first meeting, representatives of restaurants including Leon, Moshi Moshi and Sausage & Mash Café met with Greenpeace, the Marine Stewardship Council and other environmentalists to discuss the slippery issue of sustainable fish.

The next meeting of the network has been a ‘meet the producer’ event on 5th June, during London Sustainability Week, at which restaurant owners and chefs took the opportunity to see and taste seasonal produce from local suppliers.

This work forms part of the Greener Food project, funded by the London Development Agency via London Sustainability Exchange, to provide “green” audits and advice on energy, water, waste and food.  Contact Charlotte Jarman - charlotte@sustainweb.org or call 020-7837-1228 for more details.

13.American food giant opens London store

The US natural and organic foods supermarket, Whole Foods Market, has created a mammoth 80,000 square foot emporium on three floors of the former Barkers’ department store in Kensington High Street. Whole Foods Market was started three decades ago by an American college dropout, John Mackey.  The Kensington store is the first step in its plan to expand the brand in the UK. 

From encouraging shoppers to try before they buy, to paying them 5p for each carrier bag they supply themselves, Whole Foods claims its shopping experience will be like no other. 

It promises a wide range of top quality lines which, in the US, has earned them the nickname "Whole Paycheck". Critics claim that despite its pledges, the retail giant won’t be able to fill its shelves with eco-friendly or ethically produced food that has been sourced ‘locally’. Inevitably food will be sourced from across the UK and even the continent.

An NFU spokesman said: “Providing Whole Foods Market can live up its pledges and corporate statements regarding local food and ethical consumerism, we look forward to working with the company.” The NFU spokesman said the trade association would be urging Whole Foods Market to source home-produced food, particularly products bearing the Red Tractor (Assured Food Standards) logo.

14. How secure are your assets? 

Farmers and landowners across England and Wales are being urged to secure their assets, as forty percent of land remains unregistered. Registering your land gives you the best possible guarantee of land ownership. Voluntary land registration is a straightforward process that can help protect your land and Land Registry is offering a 25 per cent discount to anyone registering their land for the first time.  There are numerous benefits to registering your land, it:

The fee is based on the value of land, ranging from £30 for land worth up to £50,000 and a maximum of £525 for land worth more than £1m. You will need to provide Land Registry with:

For information see http://www.landregistry.gov.uk/, call 0800 432 0432 or email registerland@landregistry.gsi.gov.uk

15. Lambeth Country Show, Herne Hill 

The countryside comes to town on July 21/22 when Brockwell Park, Herne Hill, plays host to the Lambeth Country Show.  Entry is free to this long-established south London show which will see exhibitors from the world of food and farming entertaining 120,000 visitors. Look out for the NFU display in the family farm area beside Brockwell Hall.

January

1. Introduction 
Welcome to the eighth newsletter for the Greater London farming community (January, 2007).

Emma Hockridge, London Food Link Project Officer emma@sustainweb.org
Isobel Bretherton, NFU SE PR Officer isobel.bretherton@nfu.org.uk

2. Year of Food and Farming 
The Year of Food and Farming, which kicks off in September, will help young people learn more about healthy living and how their food is produced.

The Year of Food and Farming is an industry led intitiative endorsed by Defra, the Department for Education and Skills, plus the Department of Health. One of its ambitious aims is to link every school with a farm or horticultural unit. The Farming and Countryside Education (FACE) programme, in which NFU is a partner, will play a major role in making it happen, helping educationalists build stronger links with those working in food and farming. A number of large national events will also be held in cities in 2008.

In the South East, the NFU is to be represented on a steering group that will plan and develop a programme of events for the region.  NFU SE PR Officer Isobel Bretherton will be a contact on this group. So too will be FACE coordinators Meg Hart, Louisa Devismes and, in London, Tim McGregor, all of whose details appear on http://www.face-online.org.uk/

To support the initiative, Defra’s press office is looking for examples of activities that demonstrate the link between schools and sustainable food production. The NFU and FACE have already provided examples from within the South East, but more are sought. If you can provide an example, contact Christine Phillips, Press Officer with Government News Network tel: 020 7261 8326 christine.phillips@gnn.gsi.gov.uk  Copy your response to isobel.bretherton@nfu.org.uk 

3. Why Farming Matters 
The NFU is to spell out the growing importance of farming as part of a national campaign running during 2007.

The NFU’s Why Farming Matters initiative highlights what farming offers to the quality and security of the UK’s food supplies, the countryside, the economy, the environment and rural life. The website http://www.whyfarmingmatters.co.uk/ is the best place to read all about it - anyone can order campaign materials, including posters, stickers, reports and consumer-oriented leaflets.

The campaign aims to de-bunk the notion that mainstream food production can simply migrate to other parts of the world, leaving a dwindling number of British farmers and growers to focus on niche markets and diversification.  Its comprehensive report reveals in detail the contribution of British agriculture and its role in tackling issues including climate change, demonstrating the industry’s potential to produce the green fuels of the future.

Launching the report, NFU President Peter Kendall said: “For far too long, the importance of farming to Britain has at best been taken for granted and, at worst, been written off as irrelevant and out of date. We believe that for all sorts of reasons, ranging from the security of our food supplies, the quality of our environment and rural economy and the battle against climate change, this is a dangerous notion that needs to be challenged.

“This campaign is not about what farming needs from the country, so much as what farming can do for the country. It is what farming offers that makes farming matter.”

Peter Kendall hosted receptions in London for those with an interest in farming and growing both in the city, and nationally. Attendees included many national non governmental organisations.

4.Single Payment Scheme update 
Defra and the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has pledged to make part payments (50%) of the 2006 Single Payment to farmers and growers by mid February 2007. The 2006 Entitlement Statements are now likely to be distributed at the end of January. Although administration appears to be running more smoothly for the 2006 payments, some farmers remain anxious.

The RPA has subsequently identified errors on payments that have already been issued and it is in the process of correcting them. But undue delays have been experienced by claimants whose 2005 SPS payments the RPA has agreed to correct. Most of the critical cases do involve significant sums of money. Understandably claimants want a confirmed and agreed starting point for their entitlements for 2005 prior to SPS 2007. The NFU continues to keep up the pressure and has demanded a breakdown of how many claims are involved, what values they are (most are below €100), how many have been paid and so on.

The RPA has now completed its review of Fruit Vegetable and Potato allocations. Applications were greater than the pot available and the ceiling was actually reached part way through the allocation for extra area in 2004. The allocation was based on production during the year 2003 and if this was not breached, then further allocations were given for new or increased area in 2004. Claimants whose highest production area was in 2005 will not receive any extra allocation. Those who claimed for production during the year 2005 only will not receive any allocation. The NFU will be putting genuine cases forward to the RPA. It has asked the RPA to update the frequently asked questions section of its website.  m/f..

5. Do you need help with lambing? 
A sixth form student, who is determined to pursue a career as a vet, desires work experience on a large animal farm near to Northwood in Middlesex. She is seeking to experience lambing during the school Easter Holiday (Monday 2 April to Friday 13 April). She has enjoyed many weeks of work with small animals in vet practices and hospitals as well as voluntary work at her local stables. Please call Miriam on 01923 822757 or email miriam.kaltz@btinternet.com

6. London Farmers’ Markets - request for new producers  
London Farmers' Markets (LFM) continues to open new farmers' markets in the capital and organisers are always keen to talk with farmers who might be interested in selling direct. They wish to hear from growers of fruit and vegetables and dairy farmers in particular.  To find out more, call: 020 7833 0338 or log on to http://www.lfm.org.uk/

7. Mayor's strategy for Healthy and Sustainable Food 
The Implementation Plan for the Mayor's strategy for Healthy and Sustainable Food for London has been approved by London Food. Jenny Jones, Chair of London Food, said: "Londoners want food that is good for them, good for the planet, and good for the people who produce it. This strategy is a radical vision of how London can become a healthier, happier and greener city by encouraging the capital's food system to focus on good quality, fresh, seasonal, local, and fair trade produce." The implementation plan provides a structure which enables London Food to begin to achieve the objectives set out in the strategy. The London Development Agency has committed to funding a pilot training programme for public sector caterers and a feasibility study surrounding the possibility for a “local food hub" in London. This study will examine how smaller local food producers can sell to the vast London market and the findings will be available to all stakeholders. For more information please contact londonfood@lda.gov.uk

8. Farmers’ City Market 
The Farmers’ City Market has opened its first store in Hampton Hill High Street, near Teddington where consumers can shop for high quality, ethically produced foods. This new retail concept combines the best of farmers markets with the convenience of supermarkets. Products are sourced directly and then sold indoors, seven days a week. The store has easy parking and restaurant facilities, with meals made from ingredients sourced from the store). More about this at http://www.farmerscitymarket.com/

9. Voluntary Land Registration 
The Land Registry is keen to encourage voluntary land registration. Registering land with Land Registry means the state guarantees an owner’s title to a property, giving the registered landowner better protection. If and when a landowner decides to sell, or they are asked to prove ownership, records of registered land can be accessed online.

Local teams provide knowledge and expertise for large-scale landowners, with the aim of making registering land very straightforward.  The registration process varies in length and cost depending on the size and value of the land involved, the state of available deeds and documents and the number of individual plots to be registered.

To encourage voluntary registration, the Land Registry offers a 25 per cent discount on its usual registration fee. For further information contact Vicky Argles on 020 7403 2230 or vicky@forster.co.uk

10. One Planet Agriculture - conference 
The 2007 Soil Association conference focuses on the urgent need to develop new models of localised food and farming systems. This is in anticipation of the central role that farmers and growers will play in averting climate change and providing food security in an era of scarce and expensive energy. Keynote speakers include: Jonathan Dimbleby, Jeremy Leggett, Kevin Morgan, Jeanette Orrey and Jonathon Porritt.

The conference is being held on January 26/27 at Cardiff International Arena. Details from www.soilassociation.org/conference

11. Public sector buyer and supplier groups launched 
Sustain and East Anglia Food Link are working with the Government Office for London to develop public sector buying groups in the London region, along with working groups of suppliers from London, the South East and East Anglia. The aim is to increase the amount of sustainable food being supplied to the public sector in London. Producers can contact Emma Hockridge tel: 020 7837 1228 emma@sustainweb.org or Tully Wakeman, East Anglia Food Link, tel: 01508 536666 tully@eafl.org.uk

12. Honours for figureheads of food and farming 
An MBE has been awarded to the Sustain co-ordinator Jeanette Longfield in the New Year’s Honours - another sign that sustainable food and farming policy is being taken seriously.

Jeanette Longfield commented: “I am absolutely delighted to be honoured, and look forward to continuing to work with Sustain’s member organisations to ensure that, with growing public support, food and agriculture policies protect health and the environment, and promote a more equitable food system.”

The director of a national organisation which boosts young people’s understanding of food and farming has also been honoured - with an OBE.

Bill Graham, Farming and Countryside Education (FACE) frontman, joined the organisation at its inception in 2001.  He says: “Ensuring that young people understand how food is produced and how farmers are looking after the environment is a key message to convey to the nation’s young people.  Getting that message across in a clear, strong and positive way is very important.
 
FACE now has 65 partner organisations and works closely with several government departments.  Bill, a former teacher, adds:“It would be fantastic to think that FACE could become the automatic starting point for people when they have any enquiry relating to the educational side of agriculture.”

Michael Seals, the NFU’s food standards spokesman and chairman of the National Fallen Stock Company (NFSCo), has been recognised for services to farming with an MBE too.
The honour acknowledges the work he does for the livestock industry, particularly his work in founding the NFSCo. This is a not for profit, farmer-led organisation set up to provide a reliable, low cost means of disposal for fallen stock to comply with EU regulations banning the burying or burning of farm animals.

13. Free Farm Business Advice Service – “Knowing Your Options” in the South East and London 
Farmers in the South East and London have access to free, impartial help and advice through Defra’s Farm Business Advice Service (FBAS).  Although it has already been running for three months, no farmers in London have taken up the offer, whilst those across the SE are taking advantage of the service.Until March 2007, FBAS will provide a great opportunity for farmers to Call the FBAS Inquiry Line on 0845 365 1257 - Monday to Friday, 9am/5pm.

14. Climate Change and farming 
Forum for the Future, a sustainable development charity, has teamed up with the NFU, Country Landowners’ Association and the Applied Research Forum to communicate climate change to farmers and growers. For information see http://www.futurefarming.org.uk/ or call Katie Zabel at k.zabel@forumforthefuture.org.uk tel 020 7324 3670.

15. ‘The nature and potential of agriculture around major urban areas in England’ report launched 
A Natural England study reveals how agriculture operates within and contributes to the character of the fringes of major urban areas.

The report, which is based on a detailed study in 2006, also considers how farming could contribute to a more diversified and 'multifunctional' landscape, one that forges stronger environmental, social and economic ties between towns and their countryside fringes. Six major urban areas with populations topping 100,000 were chosen for more detailed examination - Greater London, the West Midlands conurbation, West Yorkshire, the Potteries, Swindon and York. To download the report, go to: http://www.countryside.gov.uk/LAR/Landscape/CIAT/towns/research/Nature_and_Potential_Agriculture_Urb_Areas.asp

16. NFU backs Watts Farm at inquiry 
The NFU has backed Watts Farm, Orpington, at a planning inquiry which could ultimately decide the business’ future. The inquiry resulted over Bromley borough councillors’ decision to refuse planning permission for new buildings on the farm site, despite a recommendation to the contrary from planning officers.  The NFU has provided substantial financial support through its Legal Assistance Scheme (LAS) to Watts Farm and NFU SE has given written representations on behalf of the business. The inquiry concludes in March and a decision is expected in early April. Watts Farm is a family-run baby-leaf salads firm which grows its own produce on 300 acres and imports some products out of season. It supplies the wholesale market and multiple retailers. Watts Farm, which is run by Mike and Avril Gray, is a large employer. It is typical of many urban fringe farming enterprises in South East England which are under pressure. http://www.wattsfarm.co.uk/

17. NFU and London 2012 
The farming industry could help tourist bosses win Gold during the 2012 London Olympics, says NFU South East. It has commented on the outline tourism strategy for the south east of England in the run up to the London Games. Its submission to Tourism South East summarises how the agriculture and horticulture industries could play a positive role in providing food and drink, leisure opportunities and a better environment for visitors in the coming years. So whether its beef for burgers or trees to line the Olympic enclosures, NFU South East wants the products to be home-produced. NFU South East regional director William White said: “The London Olympics is certain to generate increased international tourism and significantly boost the influx of domestic visitors to the region. Therefore the NFU wishes to maximize this opportunity to promote the ‘farming offer’ in the tourism strategy for the South East during preparations for 2012.”

Beside the big opportunity to market ‘high end’ products, the Games will generate a massive opportunity to supply basic commodities such as liquid milk, beef for burgers and salads, for example. The submission is available from NFU SE and the consultation is online at www.industry.visitsoutheastengland.com/london2012/visitoreconomy.aspx