Why buy local produce ?

FINDING LOCAL PRODUCERS IN THE 'GARDEN OF ENGLAND'

Kent is blessed with a variety of geological areas, this combined with the climate, has enabled the county to produce some of the 'best' produce in the country.

To help you discover local food and drink producers we have produced a series of maps showing where you can find local producers together with a brief desciption and links to their web sites.

- Farmers and Community Markets have become key retail outlets for many small local producers. The variety and mix of produce varies from Market to Market and the fresh fruit and vegetables on display during spring, summer, autumn and winter ebbs and flows with each growing season.Click here to discover the variety of 'Local Produce' sold by Local Producers at markets in Kent and Click here to find out what is sold at each Farmers Market

- Farm Shops, Community shops and Village shops realise the benefit of stocking local produce and have also become permenant retail outlets for many small Producers.

- Vineyards have grown in number over the last decade to become a major industry in Kent due to the geology, terraine and influence of climate change

- Craft Breweries have gone back to their roots with a revival in interest local hops

- Micro Distilleries have also grown in number over the past few years many using local botanicals to augment their spirits

WHY PURCHASING LOCAL FOOD MATTERS

- You are supporting the local Economy:- This keeps money circulating within the local communityand helps to sustain local employment

- It strengthens local food security:- by reducing our relaince on international food supply chains, it helps to create a more reliable and steady food supply

- It reduces environmental impact :- as tour food has to travel much shorter distances. It also reduces the impact of large scale mono-culture farming

- It promotes higher animal welfare:- as the UK upholds higher animal welfare standards compared to most other countries

- It enables you to eat fresher and more nutritious food :- as your food is sold immedaitely after harvesting it is sold in peak condition

It builds Community connections :- as you buy direct from the Producer, the supply chain is much shorter. It also creates an awareness of where your food comes from.