It’s the last weekend of the 14th British Food Fortnight, the annual national celebration of British Food with events and promotions taking place across the UK. However, it is not the last chance to buy genuine British produced food, sustain local produce and eventually help to reconnect the nation with the land and with food production.

Since its beginnings in 2002, British Food Fortnight has provided an opportunity for everyone involved in food production, processing and sales to talk about the benefits of buying local and British. Held in the autumn at the same time as harvest festival, consumers are invited to buy British.

According to the latest study by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the total consumer expenditure on food, drink and catering in 2014 was £198 per month, i.e. around 11% of all household spending on average.  Unfortunately, the average UK household spend on food that could have been eaten but is thrown away is around £470 a year.

Since 2010, Total Income from Farming has increased in the United Kingdom. In 2014, it is estimated to be £5,379 million and England was the largest contributor accounting for 78% of this total. Also the food sector excluding agriculture increased by 59% between 2000 and 2013 while the whole economy increased by 67%.

Sustaining the UK’ farming by buying British and local involves simple but important habits such as:

•Visit your local Farmers Market - you will be able to find everything you need.

•Walk down your local high street and visit independent stores – butchers, bakers, fishmongers and greengrocers.

•In supermarkets, always looking for the Red Tractor label.

•Make sure you are buying in season – these products are much more likely to be British.

•Buy milk direct from the farmer if you can.