Local Food Campaign Update
Work on the local food directory has sadly turned into more of a feasibility
study, as it became more and more apparent that such a project requires considerable
time and effort in both compiling, and ensuring maximum effect is achieved by
the finished entity. In examining some of the directories compiled elsewhere,
I have discovered how worthwhile some have been, but how the great work required
for each only really ever yields value if the project is managed over the long-term
along with other initiatives and with some assured funding. It therefore makes
more sense that Birmingham should first establish a local food organisation which
can then look at such initiatives as a directory.
In some of the areas in the South West and South East of England the idea of
buying local food has gone beyond the concept of farmers' markets and, dare we
say it, become more mainstream again. It seems clear that the engines behind
much of this change are network organisations. These are usually called Local
Food Links or some such, and the more successful initiatives and directories
UK wide are those pioneered by such groups. So I hope to compile some form of
information pack and proposal for such an organisation in Birmingham, together
with some of my findings on directories. Birmingham would be an ideal centre
for such an organisation, surrounded by so much fertile land and with so many
people.
We continued to attend Farmers' Markets, and at the end of this month will have
promoted local food at a total of 8 markets. Many, many thanks to all those volunteers
who helped out at any stage, but in particular to James, Jeremy, Andy, Martin
and Karen. Recently, we've been collecting names for a petition, giving out sample
letters for MPs, as well as mounting a food miles display. We have also gained
some good press coverage. The Post gave centre-stage to about four FOE letters
this month (on numerous issues), including one on the global trade of food and
need for local food economies! Further, we conducted a survey on the bars and
pubs of Broad Street to see how far the beer had travelled and how much they
recycled. A press-release of the not-surprisingly poor results was followed by
two decent articles in the Post and Evening Mail, and a live morning interview
with Radio WM. And, with sad coincidence, the local M+B brewery at Cape Hill
this week announced its imminent closure.
Richard Cave-Bigley
Many thanks to Richard for being an overwhelmingly enthusiastic and highly productive
part of the campaigning team over the last couple of months! Your cheerfulness
and terrier-like tenacity will be missed. If you get round to leaving, that is.
From all at Birmingham FOE