FOOD DIRECT FROM THE FARM

Promoting Quality Food

Food Direct from the Farm succinctly describes the food now consumed at the East of Engalnd Showground, whether for a Gala dinner, a conference or a consumer event. Since its launch two years ago by the Society to promote British Agriculture by sourcing all of the produce used in the Showground's indoor and outdoor catering operations from local farmers and food producers, the initiative currently supports over 30 local businesses from across the region and is continuing to expand.

In an aim to become the Home of British Food and following the successful launch of the Society's mobile catering unit, The Outdoor Kitchen, a catering wholesale operation at the Showground has been developed. Since then, the initiative has generated a considerable amount of media interest and was awarded Highly Commended at the Business Farming Awards in November 2005.

With over 800,000 visitors coming through the gates of the Showground each year, people will be guaranteed to eat locally sourced, fresh produce that is of the highest quality and best value.

Supporting Food Direct from the Farm means helping promote:-

• British Farming and the Countryside
• Rural Life and the Environment
• Fabulous Local and Regional Food

By choosing to eat locally produced British Food you can:-

1. Help Improve the Environment We Live In - Buying locally means cutting down on food miles - the distance from farm to fork, helping to reduce pollution and create a better environment. The majority of Food Direct from the Farm suppliers fall within a 30 mile radius of the Showground
2. Promote Great Tasting Food - Unlock your tastebuds! Imported food grown for the UK market is often harvested early, left to ripen artificially and uses large amounts of chemicals for preservation, often resulting in bland tasting food.
3. Put Something Back Into the Local Economy - Choosing to source foods locally will help regenerate the local economy and save rural communities which are in danger of disappearig as local farmers and shops struggle to compete in a global market place. Food Direct from the Farm is expected to put at least £500,000 back into the local food economy each year.
4. Get Better Value for Money - Often perceived as more expensive, food direct from the farm is by far more nutritious than processed food, ensuring the food you eat is free from additives, artifical colourings and fully traceable.
5. Support Animal Welfare - Brtiain is recognised as having some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world. Buying British helps maintain these standards ensuring the animals that produce the food we eat are well looked after.

Taste the difference for yourself and meet the people that make your food at www.fooddirectfromthefarm.org.uk

If you are interested in becoming a supplier, contact:-
Alan Webb - General Manager, Marketing & Hospitality
Telephone 01733 234451
Fax 01733 370038
email info@eastofengland.org.uk