Down on the farm...

For me, eating plenty of fruit and veg has always been a given, but lately I've become a lot more conscious of where it comes from. Where possible I try to buy British to support our growers , but at this time of year it's not always possible, especially where fruit is concerned - I admit that I let some grapes from Namibia slip into my trolley this week.

Taking things a step further, we can try to buy produce that was grown locally. I previously discussed fruit and veg boxes as one way of doing this, another is using farm shops. Do you know where your nearest is? Obviously if the one closest is a 25 mile drive away, it does not make financial or environmental sense to go there each week. However, perhaps if you are lucky enough to have one on your door step or are passing, it's something worth considering. As well as locally grown fruit and veg you will find meat, dairy and eggs usually produced on that farm or in the local area, which will often be free range if not organic; you might also find baked goods and groceries from nearby.

I know you're probably thinking that farm shops are expensive, but that isn't always the case - if you're buying their produce you'll be cutting out the middleman - and wouldn't you rather the profits went to a local business rather than a national supermarket? It's sometimes worth paying that little bit extra if you feel strongly about knowing where your food has come from and that it's sustainably produced.

I have a soft spot for Roots Farm Shop in East Rounton (North Yorkshire) http://www.rootsfarmshop.co.uk/
For anyone who lives around the Teesside, Darlington, Stokesley or Northallerton area, it's well worth a visit - it's handily located a short distance from the A19 and for those who enjoy cycling, it's easily reached along country lanes.
As well as a nice selection of local produce in the shop, their cafe serves home cooked food, again made from all things local. Enjoy your visit!