We all know that our farmers, fishermen, and food and drink businesses sell some of the highest quality produce in the UK. This fact is backed up by the reality that nearly 90% of what Devon produces is exported out of the county to both domestic and international markets.
The desire for Devon produce has not diminished over the years. During the pandemic, we all became more aware of the important work of those who toil the fields and trawl the seas. During that period and since, the conversation around our food, its supply chains and overall quality has become all the more prevalent. Whether through books by Dimbleby or podcasts on ultra processed food, there can be no excuse for us not to think a little more carefully about our food.
However, while a debate might rage about what is in and what is out, there remains precious little thought about those who work so hard at source to stock our fridges or laden our kitchen tables. Our aim for both fishing and farming should be to make it as regenerative as possible, to encourage a balance of food production with environmental responsibility. Many are already making the transition away from old intensive industrial practices and in doing so are seeing improved yields and better margins.
After all, sourcing our food is always made easier by ensuring that fishing and farming remains profitable. The new Environmental Land Management schemes for farmers and the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme for fishermen are going some way to ensuring that there is stability for food producers. But we must also consider how we can encourage supermarkets to look more local. The demise of wet counters and in-house butchers has reduced the incentive for these large organisations to think or even consider a ‘buy local’ approach. This clearly needs to change.
It does not need to be just the supermarkets that take action but also the state. We can look to other countries that have encouraged public organisations to adopt a percentage target for local purchasing, as well as helping to shorten supply chains and improve ease of access for small producers by amending procurement rules.
Much of this is already underway, but as ever the most powerful mover and impacter is that of consumer choice. Therefore, thinking local might help to keep prices steady, supply chains short and local food in good stock.
Preschool Services
Visiting Marldon Preschool with Cllr Sam Penfold last week, I was struck by the need to make more people aware of the incredible service they are providing within the local community. Having operated for over forty years, it is not just valuable for parents but also to the children themselves who are benefiting from an early education that will prepare them ahead of primary school.
While the Government has uplifted childcare funding significantly, there is still far more to be done when it comes to supporting these important institutions. What is needed is more cooperation with local businesses, primary and secondary schools, and a wider sharing of resources.
All too often the education system is viewed in segments; preschool, primary, secondary, higher education. This serves no one well and ought to be looked at to create a more balanced and consistent programme of support and learning throughout a child’s life.