Important support for this page in 2011

Local institutions are interested in using the page to regularly share articles about growing crops and producing table-ready food from it.

“This localvore idea is more than just catching on, it is received with enthusiasm by locals and visitors alike.”

Producers back idea for Cornish food centre

Monday, August 22, 2011

Western Morning News

Ambitious plans to create a centre on the outskirts of Truro that would champion Cornish food have been welcomed by suppliers and industry groups.

The Cornish Food Centre is expected to generate millions of pounds in sales for local farmers and food producers.

1. 1.

   

   
   Tim and Julie Bennetts with son Glynn of Chy-An-Besow farm near Helston
   

At its heart is a small branch of upmarket grocery chain Waitrose and a food hall stocking only local produce under the same roof.

Among those hoping to sell products in the new centre is Tim Bennetts of Chy-An-Besow Farm, near Helston in West Cornwall. The family business specialises in free range poultry and rare breed sheep and pigs, and already has a loyal following at Helston Farmers' Market.

"The centre could be a huge boost for our business by giving us a new outlet for our produce, and we would benefit from the expertise provided by Waitrose and The Taste of Cornwall," Mr Bennetts said.

"For a small business like ours that level of support would be invaluable."

The plan has also been welcomed by cider maker Andy Atkinson, of Cornish Orchards at Duloe, near Liskeard, which makes award-winning ciders and apple juices.

"For many local producers being located next to a Waitrose would provide the critical mass of customers needed to move their business to the next level," he said.

The idea behind the link-up with Waitrose is that by co-locating and sharing customers local food and drinks producers could see estimated additional sales of between £6 million and £8 million a year.

It is thought that overall the centre could increase the amount of local produce sold in Cornwall by around 10 per cent and employ 200 people.

The proposals form part of the wider Truro Eastern District Centre (TEDC), a partnership between Cornwall Council, the Duchy of Cornwall, Waitrose and food producer group The Taste of Cornwall. TEDC would also have a park and ride, household waste recycling centre and 98 new homes, 35 per cent of them social housing.

It includes a demonstration kitchen garden to show where food comes from, and small units to help producers develop their wares with support from Waitrose and The Taste of Cornwall.

The plans have been welcomed by regional food group Taste of the West, whose chief executive, John Sheaves, said: "It can be a real challenge for local food and drink producers to get their products to market, so the food hall will be an excellent showcase."

A detailed planning application for TEDC has been submitted by Cornwall Council, the Duchy and Waitrose. If it is approved, work would start on the park and ride and waste recycling centre in early 2012 and the food centre later in the year, while the homes would be started in 2013.

I have been talking about this idea of a producers co-op for some while, and to an enthusiastic reception. I also like to compare activities in Vermont with my native Cornwall, since it has the same population, seasonal tourism, and is an ‘out of the main stream’ culture.

This idea teams up with a regional supermarket ‘Waitrose’ and is projected to employ about 200 people, and generate an additional $11-$15 million per year.

This article is courtesy the Western Morning News.

Visitors to the Winter Farmers’ Market in the River Garden in downtown Brattleboro will find more farms and more local produce than ever before.  Starting on Saturday, November 3, come to the market and dazzle your senses at the seventh season of the Winter Farmers' Market. 

 

Each week the beautiful River Garden is transformed into a warm welcoming indoor marketplace.  You’ll find over 30 vendors including favorites from past seasons such as Dwight Miller Orchards, Fertile Fields Farm, Deep Meadows Farm, Wild Shepherd Farm, Higley Hill Farm, Susan Dunning Pottery, Orchard Hill Bread, Vermont Wild Flour Bakery, Putney Mountain Winery, One World Soap and many more. A number of new farms are on the list too.  Look for Walnut Ridge Farm, Guerrilla Grown Produce and Hickin’s Mountain Mowings to name a few.

 

Along with all your produce, you’ll find yummy sweets or savory breakfast treats, great lunch offerings, delicious pies, preserves and much more.  Come for the local farm produce, homemade foods, and beautiful handmade gifts and stay for a tasty lunch and live music. There is something at the market for everyone.

 

Sherry Maher, Market Manager, says, "I am so thrilled to see how this market has grown and developed over the past six years. We now have more area farmers planting more winter storage crops and using season extension strategies for fresh local winter greens.”

 

The Winter Farmers’ Market welcomes EBT and Debit cards.  And each week, EBT customers can turn $10 into $20 with our Market Match Coupons.  This is supported through grants and fundraising done by market organizers, in conjunction with our commitment to making more and more local food accessible to more local people. Anyone interested in contributing to that effort can contact us to find out more.

 

The Winter Farmers' Market is sponsored by Post Oil Solutions, a nonprofit sustainability organization actively working to build a viable community based food system.  Open every Saturday through March 30, 2013.  Market hours are generally 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with extended hours for holiday shopping (open to 3pm) between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  The market is located at the Robert H. Gibson River Garden, 153 Main St., Brattleboro, VT.  Watch calendar listings for weekly musical talent and special market happenings.  Contact us at  or call 802-869-2141.

 

--

Sherry Maher

Market Manager

802-869-2141

Winter Farmers' Market

A Project of Post Oil Solutions

www.postoilsolutions.org