Taste of England Plays Leading Role in Local Sourcing Guide

Launched by HRH The Prince of Wales HRH The Prince of Wales yesterday launched the IGD/Business in the Community report "Local Sourcing - Growing Rural Businesses". This guide forms part of the Business In The Community's rural Action Campaign. Rural Action focuses on practical measures to encourage business involvement in three key areas: building enterprising communities, strengthening market towns and supporting local sourcing.

tasteofengland.co.uk was one of the companies featured in the Local Sourcing Guide. "Our main aim at the www.tasteofengland.co.uk website is to get farmers who sell direct in touch with consumers. We list them on our website and help them build their own websites with virtual shops. This Guide will help us reach so many more farmers and inspire them to sell to a wider customer base." Said Roger Mudditt, Director.

In the foreword to the guide, HRH The Prince of Wales said, "I am delighted that Business in the Community and the Institute of Grocery Distribution have joined forces to produce this Guide which I hope will be one positive step in the process of revitalising our farming communities. All of the case studies show positive business benefits and demonstrate how supporting our local food producers will help create a viable future for agriculture. Customers increasingly want to know the source of their food, how it is produced and where it comes from. Connecting local producers to the consumer makes a vital link and acknowledges the importance for all of us to rethink our approaches to buying, distributing and selling food.

Tracy Frankpitt with HRH The Prince of Wales at St. James Palace

"I spoke to The Prince of Wales about Cullompton farmers' market and observed that people shopped there because they want to support the farmers. He agreed and said it was a shame the press did not give the same support to agriculture." Said Tracy Frankpitt, Director of tastofengland.co.uk.

The Guide aims to help the increasing number of rural, small businesses who are producing local food and drink products by demonstrating how local sourcing, conducted in the right way, can be sound business practice for all involved.

Over 10,000 copies of the report sponsored by Sainsbury's, HSBC and the NFU are being distributed. Copies can be obtained by sending an email to localsourcing@igd.com