Local food wins national praise

Nov 30 2007 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

RETAILERS across the region have won national plaudits for their use of local produce.

Two North-East farm shops only three miles apart have trounced countrywide rivals when it comes to their meat.

Moorhouse Farm Shop at Stannington Station, and Blagdon Farm Shop at the Milkhope Centre, Seaton Burn, both took home the honours in the first Best Farm Shop Butchery Award.

The competition, run by the National Farm Retail and Farmers Market Association, saw competitors from across the country battle it out over their use of local produce and customer service.

Judges praised both businesses for rearing as much of their meat as possible on their own farms and setting an example to others in the sector.

Ian Byatt, who runs Moorhouse Farm Shop with wife Victoria, said: “We are a good example of how a mixed commercial farm, stocked with typical breeds of cattle, sheep and pigs found in our region, can successfully diversify into farm retailing.

“By sticking to our core strengths, we have produced a top-quality product without it becoming too expensive.”

Judge Sally Jackson added: “Choosing a winner for our first-ever Best Butchery Award was extremely difficult.

“In the end, we felt we could not discriminate between the two candidates from the North-East, as both farm shops showed great business confidence and maturity despite the fact that they have both been trading for only four or five years.” Another two of the region’s traders have also notched up wins.

Northumberland farmer Alistair Watson scooped top prize for both his beef and lamb at the National Trust’s Fine Farm Produce awards.

The awards promote the best quality food and drink product from the farms, orchards and gardens of the National Trust.

Mr Watson, tenant farmer at Dyke Head Farm, said: “I shall use the award to highlight the National Trust farm shop at Wallington.”

Meanwhile, Robert Latimer, of Latimer’s Shellfish Deli, Bents Road, Whitburn, was named Best Local Retailer in the BBC Radio Four Food and Farming Awards.

Nominated by customers, Mr Latimer was praised for his Northumberland crab and langoustine.

He said: “It’s important we support local fishermen as they put a lot on the line for us and are up against a lot of others.”