British Food Fortnight, coming up next weekend, is the biggest national celebration of the diverse range of food that Britain produces, and the farmers who make it all happen.
Running from 17th September to 2nd October and now in its fifteenth year, hundreds of shops, pubs, restaurants, markets and visitor attractions are embracing the challenge of ‘going British’ for two weeks.
In some parts of the country, entire towns are taking part.
There is a special focus on showcasing the benefits and opportunities of serving British food in schools and hospitals.
Alexia Robinson, founder of British Food Fortnight, said Britain’s food production is one of the areas "most affected" by Brexit.
"This is a watershed moment for British food," Miss Robinson said.
"Subsidised and regulated for 40 years by Europe, our farmers will now be competing in a global market place.
"British food is produced to the highest standards; it really is some of the very best in the world, and the opportunities to trade on this in the global market are immense.
"But building the brand ‘British food’ starts at home and it is more important than ever that we excite the British public to buy it.
Investing in innovation
Miss Robinson said British people need to give farmers the "confidence" to continue to invest in innovation and quality.
"We need to ensure we have well-thought out food security plan and a robust supply of quality domestic food," she said.
"British Food Fortnight has been flying the flag for British food for 15 years, we now ask the Government to join us in promoting the qualities of British food to the consumer.
"As part of their Brexit planning – the Government must make it a priority that schools, hospitals and all Government organisations lead the way by sourcing British food," Miss Robinson concluded.
'Quality, nutritious affordable'
NUF Deputy President Minette Batters said the farming sector are delighted that British Food Fortnight is working with the industry for its autumn campaign Celebrate Great British Food.
"It's a perfect time to highlight the quality, nutritious affordable food that we as farmers and growers produce for feeding the nation and playing our part in feeding the world," Miss Batters said.
"But it’s also a chance to promote the fact that we don’t just produce food – our industry provides much more to Britain.
"The food and farming industry is worth £108billion to the UK economy and employs 3.9million people. As farmers we manage our vibrant landscape, caring for 71% of the U.K."
