The Big 7 Supermarkets are pressed to do more to support British food production
The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) are pressing supermarkets to do more to encourage better management of our British landscape, support local food producers and pay farmers a fair price for the food they produce.
A campaign by the CPRE urges consumers to email the major 7 supermarkets' chief executives to make a new year's resolution to:
"• promote and expand the range of products for sale that are grown in ways that enhance the character of our landscapes and that help wildlife to thrive;
• make sure the way you trade with your suppliers provides British farmers and food producers with a fair price that takes into account the cost of production; and
• set and meet demanding targets for stocking local food. I support the Campaign to Protect Rural England's view that at least 10% of the food sold in supermarkets should be sourced and supplied from within 30 miles, and should be clearly traceable as local."
Ian Woodhurst, Senior Farming Campaigner for CPRE, says: “2012 has seen highs and lows for farming and the countryside. We’ve celebrated the 25th anniversary. of green farming schemes that help protect and maintain our wonderful countryside. But dairy farmers have faced a crisis as the price they were paid for milk fell below the cost of production, and the bad weather has made growing food a real challenge. In response, some supermarkets started selling imperfect, ‘knobbly’ but still nutritious, fruit and veg to help overcome supply issues; a welcome and sensible step forward.
“Supermarkets have improved their environmental performance, particularly in terms of energy use. But there are other areas where CPRE believes they could do more, which is why our members are calling on them to make a New Year’s Resolution to give more support to the better management of our countryside, local food producers and farmers in 2013. A new year pledge from the big seven supermarkets can help make the future brighter for our countryside and for those who grow our food.”
Click here to join the email campaign.
