FOOD + DRINK
Sustainable SUSTENANCE
PLAYING HOST TO ANCIENT WOODLANDS , CHALK STREAMS , ORCHARDS AND FIELDS OF WHEAT , SMALL FAMILY-RUN FARMS , VINEYARDS AND LARGE-SCALE COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS , KENT REALLY DOES HAVE IT ALL .
BY MADELINE WATSON
Famous for its native Whitstable oysters , Dover sole , Romney Marsh lamb , Kentish rarebit , age-old ales and impressive diversity of apples , pears , cherries and berries , it ’ s evident why Kent has carried its Garden of England title for over 400 years . From regenerative farms , organic smallholdings and local farmers ’ markets to sustainable winemakers and pioneering restaurants , we explore some of the exciting changes happening in Kent ’ s food scene when it comes to self-sufficiency and sustainability .
With its rich and fertile soil , diversity of landscape , and ( somewhat ) cordial weather conditions , The Garden of England is home to an abundance of mouthwatering produce from vine , hop , sea and land . Here in Kent , we are witnessing an array of producers , suppliers and restaurateurs championing sustainability , seasonality , local produce and nose-to-tail cooking , while also making huge efforts to reduce waste and minimise packaging .
It ’ s not just businesses that are making more eco-friendly choices , however . The appetite for sustainability and more organic practices amongst consumers regarding food and drink is a ‘ trend ’ that doesn ’ t seem to be going anywhere . From animal welfare and supporting local farmers , producers and businesses , to considering more seasonal , organic choices and creating less waste , now more than ever customers are considering what goes on behind the scenes .
To this day , farming and food production sits at the heart of Kent ’ s identity , community and landscape . In recent years , we have seen an enormous shift in how both consumers and businesses think about the issue of sustainability within the food and drink industry , provoking exciting and innovative advances across the board .
The food and drink industry is the single largest manufacturing sector in the UK , comprising agriculture , fishing and arable crop production , as well as the ways in which our produce is processed , transported , distributed , prepared , consumed and disposed of . Like any reciprocal relationship , the food and drinks industry is dependent on agriculture and farming , which in turn is dependent on maintaining natural resources , biodiversity and healthy ecosystems for longevity and sustainability .
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