FARMTOFORK
FRESH FROM THE FARM CONT .
Healthier , Fresher , Seasonal
Purchasing locally means that your food is harvested or prepared often just minutes from the shop counter or market stall - with many items available for purchase in mere hours ; and of course , many growers offer the exciting opportunity to pick your own produce - you can ’ t get fresher than that ! A truly exciting and memorable experience , as well as a great day out for the children , who not only delight in the first bite of fresh strawberry straight from the plant , but who can also learn to understand the produce and purchase lifecycle that is so important to our local community .
Less Wastage , Eco-Friendly
Shopping locally is by far the most eco-friendly option . Mass-produced produce typically requires some type of mechanical processing . From diesel-powered tractors , through to picking and sorting machines . Each of these requires energy to run , typically drawn from C02 producing fossil fuel sources . Smaller-scale , local production is usually less mechanised , which is better for the environment . Mass farming and agriculture also use a lot of water , and often , when rainwater is not enough , this is drawn from natural water tables or rivers resulting in a negative impact to nearby wildlife and ecosystems .
And let ' s not get started on the pesticides and chemicals used in large scale farming which regularly run off the land into nearby waterways . Resulting in problems to local fish stocks , and pollution to delicate habitats which are home to a variety of wildlife .
Not only that but you also cut down on wasteful food packaging , and food wastage too , as ugly veg is always given a chance !
Food Miles
The environmentally conscious among us will also be pleased to know that shopping within our local communities cuts food miles substantially , due to the limited travel the food has to undertake from farm to fork . Instead of coming from producers the world over , these products come from local farms situated within a few miles of their final destination . Fewer emissions coming from transportation vehicles , as a result of both fewer miles and smaller vehicles , does wonders for the environment and the quality of the produce . It has been reported by the Institute of Food Research that veggies can lose up to 45 % of their nutritional value between being picked and shipped between countries . Conditions in aeroplanes , and the things done to our food to keep it ‘ fresh ’ is quite frankly disturbing and often strips the foods of most of its nutritional value . Short travel times ensure fresh , nutritionally dense foods that guarantee sumptuous flavours that will dance on the taste buds , and sit happily in tummies .
So whether its crisp local apples from Brogdale in Faversham , deep rich coffee supplied by Whitstable local Lost Sheep Coffee , flavourful cheeses from
The Cheesemakers of Canterbury , or even some cheeky beer from Docker Brewery in Folkestone - just a taste of the incredible local produce on offer at Kentish indoor markets such as the likes of Macknade and the Goods Shed ; or a new cut from the butcher , some homemade with love preserves or even a tasty cake baked fresh that morning to reward your farmers ’ market endeavours , buying local is the way forward .
It may have taken a pandemic to open some eyes , but it is now , clearer than ever , that local produce is fresher , jam-packed with flavour and nutrients , better for our planet , better for our lives , and better for the economies of our rural communities that we as a county take so much pride in .
Where to shop local …
buylocalfoodanddrink . co . uk / kent
Produced in Kent ’ s insightful guide to Kent ’ s top producers .
fabulousfarmshops . co . uk / kent
A comprehensive list of farm shops big and small all over Kent .
www . kfma . org . uk
Find an up to date list of Kent Farmers ’ Markets , including where to find produce by category .
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