foreign produce

[gelda]

Went to Tescos yesterday and bought some strawberries ( from USA) some blueberries (from Poland) and some runner beans (from Kenya),why are we importing these things when there's an abundance of them here in this country? I was in a hurry and didn't have my specs with me but in future I shall not buy these goods. What do others think.

[gelda]

Thanks I'll try the farm shops in future!

[Figi]

It is high time that more of us voted with our feet. Of course Teso etc buy stuff from abroad when there are gullible customers out there willing to buy it. Let us return to eating things in season (yes Gelda, I know the things you mention are in season now anyway) and buying fruit and veg from farm shops or real greengrocers.

[mrs_overall]

They'll keep on selling them as long as people keep on buying them.
I buy some of my fruit and veg from a greengrocers which has been owned and run by the same man for 50 years. Nearly all his produce is local and he can tell me exactly where it came from. The rest of my fruit & veg comes from my garden, courtesy of Mr Overall.

[theonlyone]

We grow veg in the garden ,but also go to the farmers market if I buy veg in a shop I make sure it's from the UK . I loathe Planet Tesco taking over the world and paying the workers in 3rd world countries peanuts . Just buy the fruit and veg that is in season in the UK. We had a bumper crop of blueberries this year from 2 bushes which are in pots , so if you have some space have a go .

[Figi]

Looks like some of us at least are singing from the same hymn sheet - hooray1111111111111111

[WendyS]

I agree. It may seem cheaper to buy foreign imported food but it's not cheaper in terms of Food Miles damage to the environment. If those who really care about this issue boycotted such food and told the supermarkets they will only buy locally (or at least UK produced food) the supermarkets would be forced to bend to public opinion. We try and grow some of our own fruit & veg, and always support local farm shops when we can. I have a large strawberry bed and soft fruit bushes in my front garden. It's surprising what you can squeeze in if you really want to.

[nickmo]

G - this should give you some more ideas about buying local: http://www.bigbarn.co.uk with a good searchable map databease - largest in UK for suppliers.

Farm shops, farmers' markets etc all should be able to give you the food you want, a a better price than s/markets like for like, and in season too.

Another you should look at is : http://eattheseasons.co.uk for ideas of what to look for and http://www.thefoody.com has a great farmers' market list by counties for you to play with.

It is also British Food Fortnight from 22/09 - 07/10, following Scottish Food Fortnight on at the moment, so take your stand and why buy Danish bacon, American watercress, New Zealand butter, Chinese apples, Spanish strawberries etc etc etc Buy British and support the British farmers!

http://www.britishfoodfortnight.co.uk has the info of what you can do and take part in.