SPECIALFEATURE
Love Locavore cont ... pride and connection among residents , creating a shared identity that goes beyond the transactional nature of commerce - after all , Kent has been adored as The Garden of England for hundreds of years . Preserving local culture adds depth and character to a community , making it a more vibrant and appealing place to live .
Optimum working conditions and high welfare standards : Buying food that has been grown by local producers ensures high welfare standards are always met . In the UK , farmers and growers go through rigorous audits and must ensure that many important standards are met in order for them to grow and trade in the UK . This doesn ’ t just mean working conditions for staff , but welfare and living standards for animals , too . An even better way to ensure what you ’ re eating has been properly reared or grown is by looking for the Red Tractor logo on the food you buy . Find out more about this on pages 62-66 .
WHERE CAN I BUY KENTISH PRODUCE ?
Kent is home to a whole host of fabulous farm shops all selling local fruit , veg , wine , cider , beer , skincare and much more . Some insideKENT favourites include Macknade Faversham ( as seen on pages 53-56 ), Broadditch Farm Shop near Gravesend , Penelope ’ s Farm Shop near Sidcup , Taywell Farm Shop in Goudhurst and Gibson ’ s near Wingham .
However , even if you ’ re doing a quick supermarket sweep , you ’ re likely to find seasonal Kentish produce on the shelves and most certainly fresh British produce . But what if you can ’ t ? “ Never be afraid to ask the supermarket staff and managers where the local , British produce is ,” says Kent fruit grower , David Riccini . “ In a world that is striving to be more sustainable , green and eco-friendly , never before has eating local produce been so important . If you are carbon footprint and plastic consumption conscious , this is all the more crucial as British grown produce uses up so much less .” Supermarkets must be held accountable in helping achieve this and supporting local farmers and growers . When shopping for fruit and vegetables in supermarkets , always read the label to make sure you are aware of growing origins .
The decision to buy local food and locally made products is not merely a choice of convenience , but a conscious effort to build stronger , more resilient communities and a healthier planet . From boosting local economies to fostering environmental sustainability and preserving cultural identity , the advantages of choosing local are manifold . As consumers , we hold the power to shape the future of our communities and the planet by making mindful choices that prioritise the wellbeing of both - so let ’ s keep Kent growing and be as ‘ locavore ’ as we can - it does the world of good .
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