Local food: the challenge

Food is travelling further than ever before, often hundreds of miles from where it was produced to where it is consumed. Family farms, local abattoirs, processing plants, local food distribution systems and small shops are all disappearing, unable to compete in today's global market.

Over-centralisation of food has meant the loss of local distinctiveness, traditional varieties, craft production, and a sense of belonging to the community.

Access to fresh and seasonal food is difficult in many communities, leading to poor diets with serious implications for long term health. In addition, money leaks out from local economies as it is siphoned off by distant food businesses.

The solution

The Soil Association's local food team is working to reverse this trend. We aim, through the development of networks, to see increased production, processing, marketing and consumption of local and organic food to create thriving local food economies. Examples of local food networks' activities include:

• Local food in schools and hospitals
• Tourism businesses offering local menus
• Communities involved in local farms
• Food co-ops buying from local producers
• Local food directories
• Farmers' markets
• Regional food strategies
• Food and nutrition action plans
• Local food centres
• Food festivals

The future

A top priority for the government must now be to create a policy framework which favours a more local, sustainable trade in food. We are involved in developing a national network of local food organisations to achieve collective influence, develop policy and help secure the government support that this sector needs and deserves.