Buy local food, urges rural watchdog

A Lincolnshire food producer is celebrating its third birthday and has received praise from the Country Land and Business Association (CLA).

Uncle Henry’s Farm Shop near Kirton Lindsay in Lincolnshire is holding a Sausage, Beer and Jazz Festival, on Saturday 12th September. Events include sausage making demonstrations from Uncle Henry’s resident butchers, cookery demonstrations using the best in Lincolnshire produce and the chance to meet local brewers.

Rural watchdog the CLA fully supports ventures like Uncle Henry’s and has urged the region’s public sector to do more to support producers by sourcing food locally.

According to the CLA, which is based in Belgrave Square, London, public procurement of locally produced food is still inadequate. It says that out of the public sector food annual budget of £1.8bn, only two per cent, or £36m, is spent on local food nationally.

CLA Midlands spokesman Tim Barnes-Clay said: "The Government must throw its weight behind British farmers and growers and support local food and the UK farming industry. We believe public bodies must be given incentives to source food locally so that customers of the public sector are able to enjoy high quality local produce at a reasonable price."

The Sausage, Beer and Jazz Festival will be held at Uncle Henry’s Farm Shop on Saturday 12th September from 11am to 5pm. The Lincolnshire event is free to attend and free parking is available.