New EU standards for feeding and rearing may lead to a potential shortage of organic eggs from UK farmers. The British Free Range Egg Producers Association say that meeting the new requirements will lead to rising costs and could see supermarket prices rising by 70p a dozen.
According to BFREPA vice chairman, John Widdowson, many farmers are now considering abandoning organic production with the future looking "very uncertain".
ASDA has decided to extend sales of its 'Definitely Devon' branded milk to a further six more stores in the region. This is something of a coup for the Torrington based farmers co-operative, Definitely Devon, and comes after a major TV advertising campaign. Customers can even sample the produce at milk tastings in all eight West Country ASDAs.
The government is looking at ways in which local food producers could supply schools and hospitals. As part of a review of public sector procurements launched this week, food and farming minister Lord Whitty will look at whether small UK producers are being given a fair chance to compete for contracts.
Under the terms of trading within the EU, it is illegal to stipulate that institutions buy British. However by encouraging institutions to be mindful of issues like the environment and animal welfare and by setting up contracts that insist on freshness, seasonal availability and degradable packaging, this would effectively mean sourcing locally.
It's an opportunity which the chair of the government's sustainable farming strategy, Sir Don Curry believes could be very beneficial to British suppliers. "...government and industry must work together to ensure that they can supply enough fresh and wholesome produce at the right price".
A unique multi-million-pound deal between supermarket chain Waitrose and a consortium of eight farmers aims to bring Cornish food direct to local people. The scheme would see the building of a £25 million supermarket.
If it is given planning consent, the 'Cornish Food Hall' could prove the forerunner of similar projects.
