COUNTRYSIDE, WILDLIFE & FARMING
life
Changing face of the
countryside
By Tony Ridd
Within the last few months the
of shopping at supermarkets
planners and many conditions
to grow assisting farmers and
island has lost at least two more
has been a major force in the
later, just obtained planning
producers as it does. When eating
of it’s dairy herds, one being the
closure of local amenities such
permission for a new farm shop.
out you want it to be special, tasty
islands only organic dairy. There
as the village shop and garages,
It isn’t easy or cheap to open
and value for money. The word
is now less than twenty milk herds
but there is a new force steadily
an outlet like this, with many
‘homemade’ is creeping back into
left on the island and although
growing that seem to be bringing
environmental regulations to meet,
menus and it is always something I
there has been an increase in the
the idea of local shopping full
but the return for farmer and the
look out for.
farm gate milk price, it came too
circle and back to the producer –
like minded suppliers that he will
late for these farms, and with
the farm shop.
co-operate with are matched by
situation for the island. As more
the rewards that their customers
producers start selling direct to the
other farmers talking of selling up
Locally bred and reared lamb,
It is potentially a ‘win–win’
or diversifying, our view of grazing
beef and poultry can all be bought
will have, experiencing ‘real’ food
public or restaurants they will be
livestock around the island’s
in many villages and towns
and knowing the origin of its
keen to promote themselves in a
landscape is still dwindling.
around the island at independent
source.
positive light, this will result in an
I believe that farming is on the
butchers or direct from the farms.
Many restaurants, pubs and
increase investment in the farms
up, and the future is bright but as
Complimented by seasonal and
tearooms are other champions of
appearance, hedges, trees and
with all commerce it takes time to
local, fresh fruit and vegetables.
local food, proving just how wide
other conservation projects along
filter down to its primary source.
The biggest compliment that
spread the demand is. It isn’t just
with improved animal welfare and
shoppers are saying when buying
a selling point to attract tourists,
crop production, as each producer
more conscientious with their
local produce is how flavoursome
many locals compliment eateries
will be accountable for the quality
purchases, considering quality
everything tastes.
to me, saying what a delicious
of their own produce.
The buying public are becoming
and food miles, but balancing
One of our neighbouring farms
meal they had at restaurants
it with cost as well. It has long
in the West Wight has, after
around the island. This is another
been accepted that the ease
lengthy consultation with the
trend that I think will continue
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