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<title>New Sector June/July 2008</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/4</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Jan Trefusis of Plunkett describes progress on the programme to support local food initiatives Making Local Food Work, the £10 million five-year programme announced by the Big Lottery Fund last October, is now fully operational and is already developing and assisting new and existing projects. Over the last few months 30 new staff have been recruited and placed in seven of the partner organisations involved in this major rural social enterprise programme. Managed by the rural enterprise charity Plunkett Foundation, Making Local Food Work aims to use community enterprise to reconnect land and people through food. The programme offers practical... ]]></description>
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<title>New food around the block </title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/6</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/6</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Rising food prices and increased interest in healthy food, means more people are looking to grow their own.  Growing Round the Houses[1], a new briefing paper by Ben Reynolds of Sustain[2]  and Christine Haigh of Women’s Environmental Network[3]  (WEN), explains how social housing providers and their tenants can work together on their estates to grow food. As well giving advice on how to set up a food growing project on their estate, it describes examples such as the Spitalfields Estate Community Garden, where residents worked together to build themselves a food growing space for vegetables and herbs popular with the... ]]></description>
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<title>Making Local Food Work on BBC Radio 4's Food Programme</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/7</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/7</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 09 Jun 2008 08:51:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Sheila Dillon interviews Kath Dalmeny, Policy Director of Sustain and MLFW Board member, about Local Food initiatives. Listen to the whole report and interview here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/factual/foodprogramme_20080608.shtml ]]></description>
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<title>Buy Local; Save Money - FARMA tell us why local food is good for your wallet</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/9</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/9</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ BUY LOCAL; SAVE MONEY     The rising cost of living is more reason than ever to buy local food, says the National Farmers’ Retail and Markets’ Association (FARMA) . With a little creativity, shoppers can enjoy good local produce and support the people who make it, without breaking the bank.    Here are nine nifty ideas for making your food budget go further: 1) Know your seasonal fruit and vegetables and buy lots while it’s cheapest, to enjoy every day and to keep for later.   Home made jams and chutneys taste great and are cheaper than shop-bought ones; you can freeze raspberries,... ]]></description>
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<title>From FARMA - Pick-Your-Own is Back in Flavour</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/10</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/10</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:33:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ As food prices rise, thousands of shoppers are heading to pick-your-own farms this summer for the best local, seasonal produce at value for money prices. “Last weekend we had queues of people in and out of the car park,” said Nigel Chandler, farm shop manager at Garson’s farm in Surrey, winner of the Pick-your-own of the year award 2007 from the National Farmers’ Retail and Markets’ Association (FARMA). FARMA has had similar reports of a ‘strong resurgence’ of pick-your-own farms across the UK, as the warm weather brings people out in droves. Mary Simkin of Essington Fruit Farm, Staffordshire, reported... ]]></description>
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<title>Bridport Schools' Hot Meals Receive National Recognition</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/11</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/11</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:04:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Eight primary schools in the Bridport area are celebrating as their innovative hot school meals service has just received national recognition. The service, operated through a partnership with Local Food Links, has been named as a finalist in the prestigious GO Awards for Excellence in Public Procurement. Local Food Link’s Director Tim Crabtree said that everyone was delighted that the Bridport school meals service was being recognised, “Parents made it clear that they wanted to see a school meals service that would create local employment and support food producers in the county. The Bridport schools were therefore reluctant to enter... ]]></description>
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<title>Government sets out 21st century challenges for food in the UK (Defra)</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/12</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/12</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:31:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Cabinet Office today publishes the results of a ten-month Strategy Unit project looking at food policy across Government - and concludes that rising demand, climate change, and trade and productivity restrictions must all be addressed. Commissioned by the Prime Minister, the report focuses on food issues in the UK and puts them in a global context. It draws together evidence about long-term trends in food production and consumption, and how food safety and nutrition impact on the health of the UK. Some key recommendations are: * Building on the Stern Review and drawing on the UK's world class science... ]]></description>
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<title>From FARMA: Small shops to be protected from supermarkets, says government</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/13</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/13</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Communities' secretary, Hazel Blears, has announced that small shops are to be given some protection against competition from out-of-town supermarkets. She added that this would help independent shops survive the credit crunch. Planning guidance is also to be changed to help prevent more "clone towns". In future new shops will have to pass a "diversity" test to ensure that not all high streets look the same. Planners will be able to reject applications for large-scale, out-of-town shopping developments if they are likely to have a damaging impact on nearby high streets. The Government will formally respond to the commission's recommendations,... ]]></description>
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<title>Local Food Shop Guide Launched</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/14</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/14</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:49:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Plunkett Foundation have today made available a guide booklet for prospective local food shop owners. Entitled How to open a local food shop - A guide, it is available to download for free from the Making Local Food Work website. Produced in partnership with River Cottage and written by Ken Parsons of the Rural Shops Alliance, this booklet is intended for people who are thinking about opening a shop, which stocks and sells local produce. Including inspirational case studies, advice and helpful templates, it's just the thing to get you started on the road to having your own local... ]]></description>
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<title>Making Local Food Work Quarterly Newsletter</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/21</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/21</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:14:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Welcome to the second Making Local Food Work quarterly newsletter.We’re fast approaching the end of the programme’s first year and by now we’ve really built up momentum, as you’ll see from the articles below. You can follow the hyperlinks in each article to find more information on our website about the projects featured.The new website was launched at the beginning of July and is packed full of information about our different projects. Each project will update its own pages, so keep checking for the latest updates on how things are going. We’d really appreciate your comments and opinions about the... ]]></description>
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<title>Defra &quot;Food Statistics Pocketbook&quot; published</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/27</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/27</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:41:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ An annual compendium of food statistics, ranging from food prices to food supply, and for the first time including data on food safety and consumer demand, were published today. Wider ranging than its predecessors, this year's Food Statistics Pocketbook also contains restructured chapters on public health alongside statistics about the economic contribution of the UK food chain and the environmental impacts of UK food production and consumption. The collection of statistics gives the most complete picture to date of all stages of the food chain, from production to consumption. Key findings include: * The UK agri-food sector contributed £79.4 billion... ]]></description>
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<title>EFFP - Volatile food prices demand new strategies from food and farming businesses</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/28</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/28</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:51:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ According to a new retail food price forecast from English Farming and Food Partnerships (EFFP) food inflation has peaked and is set to fall from over 12% to around 3% by summer 2009, but despite this, EFFP's Chief Executive, Siôn Roberts, warns that high and volatile food prices are here to stay both globally and in the UK.Further information about EFFP's Retail Food Price Forecast.This challenging message was delivered as part of Mr Roberts' keynote presentation today at EFFP's Annual Conference.He warned that the UK looks set for a painful recession which will impact significantly on consumer demand over the... ]]></description>
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<title>Farmers' Weekly: Shop produce cheaper than supermarket food</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/29</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/29</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ 07/11/2008 11:43:00FWiLocally-produced food is often cheaper than produce sold in supermarkets, according to research carried out by Farmers Weekly.In a shopping basket of nine items, six food items were more expensive in Tesco supermarket than farm shops.Farmers Weekly bought meat and vegetables from farm shops in Essex and carried out a price check against Tesco this week (5 November).On products including dry cure bacon, leeks and potatoes, Tesco was more expensive.The biggest cost difference was topside beef, which was almost £10 cheaper in farm shops compared with Tesco.Only broccoli, carrots and savoy cabbage were cheaper at the retailer.At a time... ]]></description>
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<title>Making Local Food Work Autumn Newsletter</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/30</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/30</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:36:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Hello and welcome to the Autumn edition of the Making Local Food Work newsletter. We’re now into the programme’s second year and so, without further ado, here is the latest about what we’ve been doing this quarter:Food Co-ops Fact-Finding Trip to DublinAs part of the Food Co-ops and Buying Groups strand an exchange visit was arranged to Dublin Food Co-op in September. The visit was attended by 12 representatives from food co-ops and other community-run food initiatives from all over England, including Food Chain North East, Ipswich Ripple Food Co-op, Stroudco, Holbeck Food Enterprise in Leeds, Croydon Food Link and... ]]></description>
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<title>New Sector: Local food, local wealth</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/31</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/31</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The December/January issue of New Sector magazine celebrates community-based and co-operative local food schemes across the country, inluding several Making Local Food Work projects.To download a copy, please visit www.newsector.co.uk&#160; ]]></description>
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<title>Food Co-ops Conference 2009</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/32</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/32</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2008 10:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Our national food co-ops conference will be held onMonday 2 February 2009 10am - 4pm at 76Portland Place, London W1B 1NT. The conference is free for volunteers and community workers but we will be charging a fee of £50 for PCTs and local authorities to help us subsidise travel costs for volunteers. Our keynote speaker will be Martin Caraher, reader in Food and Health Policy at City University. He has worked extensively on issues related to local sustainable food supplies, the role of co-ops in promoting health, farmers markets and food access. Thank you to everyone who responded to our... ]]></description>
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<title>FSB urges MPs to buy local this Christmas</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/33</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/33</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:43:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ From Speciality Food Magazine:MPS URGED TO SUPPORT LOCAL FOODby Nicola MallettThe Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is encouraging MPs to Keep Trade Local by buying their turkey and sprouts from local shops this Christmas.The FSB is lobbying Members of Parliament to source their Christmas dinner locally and is delighted that Ian Cawsey MP has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) in Parliament calling on his fellow MPs to buy their festive feast from local shops. The Motion has already received cross party support from MPs including Simon Hughes (Liberal Democrat) and Brian Binley (Conservative).Comments FSB national chairman, John Wright, said,... ]]></description>
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<title>Defra - Hilary Benn appoints Council to advise on UK food strategy</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/34</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/34</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Department for Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (National)Hilary Benn calls for global agreement to secure the future of our food as he appoints Council to advise on UK food strategy The world needs a new agreement to secure the future of our food to meet the twin challenges of starvation and climate change, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn will say tonight. In a speech on food security to the Fabian Society Hilary Benn will say: &quot;By 2050 there will be nine billion of us living on this small and fragile planet. And the question is: do we have the capacity to feed... ]]></description>
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<title>North Somerset Producer Co-operative Established</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/35</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/35</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2008 09:16:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ During 2008, as part of the Co-operatively - Owned Farmers' Markets strand, FARMA and Plunkett Foundation have been supporting the development of a producer-led formal co-operative in North Somerset which seeks to develop its activities through the collaboration of producers, town councils, district council, town centre partners. It will enable four farmers' markets to work together to achieve a sustainable scale. On 8 December the North Somerset Farmers' Markets Co-operative took a decisive step and eight producers signed a specially developed constitution for farmers' markets. Four further representatives from the community will join the group and it is anticipated than... ]]></description>
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<title>BBC Online: Food needs 'fundamental rethink'</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/37</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/37</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2008 10:55:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A sustainable global food system in the 21st Century needs to be built on a series of &quot;new fundamentals&quot;, according to a leading food expert. Tim Lang warned that the current system, designed in the 1940s, was showing &quot;structural failures&quot;, such as &quot;astronomic&quot; environmental costs. The new approach needed to address key fundamentals like biodiversity, energy, water and urbanisation, he added. Professor Lang is a member of the UK government's newly formed Food Council. &quot;Essentially, what we are dealing with at the moment is a food system that was laid down in the 1940s,&quot; he told BBC News. &quot;It followed... ]]></description>
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<title>A date for your diaries...</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/40</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/40</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[  making local food work: communities taking control&#160;The idea of communities taking the initiative to provide their own access to healthy, local, sustainably produced food underpins the first annual Making Local Food Work conference.  The event will be held on Monday 30th March 2009 in Birmingham. For the first time, the Local Food and Social Enterprise sectors will be united under one roof to explore the following topics:·        Can food systems be changed from the bottom up?·        The Recession: opportunity or threat for local food?·        Is Social Enterprise the key?·        How to make local food work.Speakers include: Patrick Holden, Soil Association;... ]]></description>
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<title>Announcing Skillshare!</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/41</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/41</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:28:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A new mentoring programme from the Making Local Food Work, Specialist Enterprise Support team is available to community food businesses in England. &#160;Food based social enterprises can receive 16 hours FREE practical hands-on support from mentors chosen as leaders from similar successful food enterprises&#160;Experienced members or managers of food based social enterprises may be interested in becoming a mentor. ]]></description>
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<title>Conference places now available</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/42</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/42</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:11:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ We are pleased to announce that we are now taking bookings for the conference, which takes place in Birmingham on 30th March.Making local food work: communities taking control is the inaugural conference for the Making Local Food Work programme. For the first time, practitioners and policy makers from the Social Enterprise and Local Food sectors will be united under one roof to explore the potential for food-based community enterprise to help communities meet their needs in terms of accessing fresh, healthy, sustainably-produced local food. This year it is obvious that the prevailing economic climate presents both challenges and opportunities for... ]]></description>
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<title>IGD - Consumers continuing to buy local despite recession</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/43</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/43</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:32:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ According to the latest report by food and grocery experts IGD, the recession has not dampened British consumers' enthusiasm for buying local produce. In fact the percentage of shoppers saying they had bought locally-produced food in the last month had increased to 27%, compared to 15% three years ago.20% of those interviewed also professed to be concerned about the distance food had travelled: almost twice the figure of three years ago. A fifth of respondents also declared an interest in knowing about the animal welfare standards where their food is produced, again double the figure in 2006. This all goes... ]]></description>
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<title>MLFW Conference now sold out</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/44</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/44</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:29:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ We are pleased to announce that the conference on 30th March, making local food work: communities taking control has now sold out. Due to the extremely positive reaction and high demand for places, we are currently looking at dates and venues for a second event in the late summer. Please register your interest or sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear when details are released. ]]></description>
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<title>CSA on the BBC</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/45</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/45</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:54:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Community supported agriculture makes Editor's Choice on BBC news website: Forget the FTSE: invest in Cabbages!BBC news on-line recently came to Stroud Community Agriculture to make a video film on community supported agriculture. Click here to see the video The Farm that Feeds its ShareholdersThe video also features in an article by the BBC's Environmental Correspondent, Sarah Mukherjee: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7898314.stmFor more information on CSA, please see our project pages. ]]></description>
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<title>Is the credit crunch affecting your business?</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/47</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/47</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2009 10:53:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[  Cheetah Television is making a pilot for a major British broadcaster about how the current financial crisis is affecting small businesses in the UK – in particular we are keen to feature a business from the agricultural sector.&#160;·        Has your business seen changes since the credit crunch hit?·        Do you have strong opinions about who/what is responsible for the downturn?·        Perhaps you’ve been a successful business and you’re now worried about the future?&#160;If this sounds like you, you want to have your say or you’d like to find out more we would love to hear from you.&#160;Please call Helen in... ]]></description>
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<title>All you need to know about Food Co-ops</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/48</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/48</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2009 10:57:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ As part of the Making Local Food Work programme, Sustain's Food Co-ops and Buying Groups  project seeks to create and nurture food co-ops all over England. Food co-ops are a great way for people to get together and use their collective buying power to buy good, healthy food direct from the grower or wholesaler at bargain prices. Now there is a website where you can find out lots of information about what food co-ops do, where to find your nearest one and how to set one up yourself.Why not see for yourself at FoodCoops.org?For the latest on our work with... ]]></description>
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<title>MLFW in the Sunday Times</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/51</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/51</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2009 10:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Making Local Food Work programme and Swillington Community Supported Agriculture scheme feature in today's Sunday Times. The article, That's the community spirit explains how engaging in an active community can increase the value of your home. To read the article, visit the Times Online website here: http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/the_way_we_live/article5948613.ece ]]></description>
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<title>£1 Million Package for Third Sector Recession Support (England) </title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/52</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/52</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:31:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Further to the announcement of the Government’s £42.5 million action plan “Real help for Communities Volunteers, Charities and Social Enterprises”, Capacitybuilders (a non departmental public body, charged with increasing the capacity of the third sector), has confirmed the details of a £1 million funding package to support third sector organisations during the economic downturn. The funding will enable local support providers to gear up to help frontline organisations be: ·         more resilient ·         represent the third sector on local partnerships as they respond to the recession·         up-skill development workers and advisors to adapt to the changing needs of frontline organisations.... ]]></description>
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<title>Changing the food system from the bottom up </title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/54</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/54</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:04:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ NEWS RELEASEThursday, 02 April 2009Changing the food system from the bottom up Social enterprises rooted in communities can change food systems from the bottom up – this was the message from delegates at Communities Taking Control, the first in a series of conferences held by the Making Local Food Work programme.  &#160;The sell-out conference, which took place on Monday in Birmingham, brought together a wide range of individuals and organisations from those involved in running local food community enterprises to policy makers, academics and support organisations to explore how enterprising communities can reconnect land and people through food.Making Local Food... ]]></description>
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<title>Join the new Local Action on Food network!</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/55</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/55</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2009 11:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[  Local Action on Food is a new network that is coordinated by Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming.  The aim of the network is to link together those that are passionate about and committed to a more local and sustainable food system here in the UK.  Membership of the network means contact and support for your project from other members and Local Action on Food staff on a range of local food issues.  Other benefits of membership include A regular copy of &quot;Rhubarb&quot; our local food magazineAn invitation to attend our quarterly seminars which will look in depth at a... ]]></description>
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<title>Communities see local food as the antidote to Recession</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/56</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/56</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 17:16:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Communities taking control of their food can save money and eat well in spite of the Recession and global price increases. That’s the message from Making Local Food Work, a Big Lottery funded programme that aims to change the way a million people buy their food. By coming together and linking directly with local producers, community members can benefit from economies of scale, the freshest produce and knowing exactly where their food comes from and how it was produced.Almondsbury Community-Owned Shop in Gloucestershire is one such example: Opened and owned by local residents, it provides a wide range of groceries... ]]></description>
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<title>Local Food in Demand </title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/57</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/57</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2009 16:54:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ from the Local Food programme:Since opening in March 2008 the Local Food programme has had a tremendous response from organisations from right across the country.We have consistently seen high levels of applications which demonstrate the need for this type of funding and it is clear that the programme has been extremely successful in raising interest within community groups of the environmental, health and social benefits of Local Food.The Local Food programme was created to be as accessible as possible with a broad range of organisations and projects able to apply. This, alongside a more environmentally focused media and a growing... ]]></description>
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<title>Vacancy at Ideal for All</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/58</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/58</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2009 11:52:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Job Title: Lead Officer for Horticultural Therapy and LearningHours: 37 hours per week (this may include some evening / weekend   work as required)Grade: SPC S1/30 –S2/P1-33 (currently £23063 - £25217)Location: Ideal for All Ltd, SmethwickJob Reference:  IFA 136Ideal for All is a not for profit company and registered charity run by and for disabled people in Sandwell. It provides a range of services to support disabled people, carers and disadvantaged groups to learn new skills and live as independently as possible.Growing Opportunities is one of the services, offering a range of activities from two fully accessible gardens, developed by disabled people with diverse needs in... ]]></description>
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<title>Defra launch 'Eat Seasonably' campaign</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/59</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/59</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2009 14:27:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A new Defra-backed campaign called ‘Eat Seasonably’ was launched on 28 May. It aims to introduce people to the benefits of seasonal produce and reconnect them with the food they are eating and the seasons in which it’s grown. This builds on the earlier phase of the campaign, ‘Grow your own’.Defra research tells us that a simple but significant step towards a more sustainable diet is to eat more fruit and vegetables when they are seasonally available, as they generally require less energy to produce and tend to cost less.Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said: “We enjoy picking strawberries to eat in... ]]></description>
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<title>FARMA Launches Month of Taste on 13th June</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/60</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/60</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:19:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[  The Month of Taste is a national celebration of the best of British summer foods direct from the farm. Organised by FARMA, the world's largest cooperative of farmers selling direct to the public - through farm shops, farmers' markets, pick your own farms, on-farm attractions and box schemes.The festival, which runs from 13 June – 19 July 2009, highlights the abundance of UK seasonal produce available such as soft fruit, salads, beans and peas, asparagus, herbs and edible flowers, as well as seasonal cheese, ice-cream and fresh fish.  Events will take place on farms, in farm shops and at farmers’... ]]></description>
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<title>Children's Food Festival</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/61</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/61</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 22:12:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Saturday 27 June and Sunday 28 June 2009The Northmoor Trust Farm, ten miles south of OxfordIf your children turn their noses up at everything you offer them at mealtimes, then the Children’s Food Festival is for you – or rather for them. This celebration of food and cooking is designed to turn fussies into foodies and is devoted entirely to young people. Adults will have fun too, but this is one occasion where the kids are in charge of the dough. The first Children’s Food Festival in 2007 attracted over 16,000 and more are expected this year.Celebrity hands-on demosThe Festival... ]]></description>
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<title>The Guardian: City of London plans guerrilla allotments</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/62</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/62</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Square Mile, capital of commerce and the site of Britain's most expensive real estate, could soon host some of its first temporary allotments with giant &quot;grow bags&quot; set up on building sites.The City of London, one of the few authorities not to have formal allotments, wants some of its 9,000 residents to use the spaces to grow fruit and vegetables. The authority has only 22 acres of open space, mostly in old burial grounds and small squares, but the recession has left many building sites vacant.&quot;There are plenty of temporary sites awaiting development and there is no reason why,... ]]></description>
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<title>NCVO launches comprehensive funding website</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/63</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/63</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The National Council for Voluntary Organisations has launched Funding Central, a comprehensive information site for the social enterprises, charities and other voluntary sector organsiations.The site is a one-stop shop for information and advice relating to funding and finance, with links to sources of funding. See for yourself at http://www.fundingcentral.org.uk/  ]]></description>
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<title>CSA Conference Cancelled</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/64</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/64</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:36:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Soil Association CSA Conference:  6-9 August 2009Just to let you know that sadly we have had to make the decision to cancel the forthcoming CSA conference.  Apologies to all those who have already booked onto it and to those who have planned their summer holidays around it.  The good news is that we’re planning a whole series of regional day-long training courses on governance, finance, land issues and horticulture and will be sending further information about these events very shortly. ]]></description>
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<title>The Telegraph - Credit Crunch leads to expanding waistlines</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/65</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/65</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:34:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Shoppers are cutting back on fresh fruit and vegetables while frozen pizza, crisps and other snacks rise in popularity during the recession, new figures show.Sales of fresh fruit and vegetables have fallen by 8 per cent and 7 per cent respectively in the last year as prices rose by an average of 20 per cent, said the price comparison website mysupermarket.com.[...] [...]Instead fed-up shoppers are seeking out comfort food as sales of frozen pizza rose 6 per cent in the same period and crisps and snacks were up by 12 per cent. White wine also saw a 9 per cent... ]]></description>
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<title>Freshinfo: Consumers still ignorant about fruit and veg</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/66</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/66</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Consumer ignorance of fresh produce remains high, with knowledge of the source, season and nutritious value of fruit and vegetables considerably flawed, according to new research.Following a survey of 3,000 people by AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website, ahead of the introduction of new EU regulations on marketing standards on July 1, it was revealed that consumers lack knowledge of the seasons of UK products and the origins of imports.Only two per cent of people surveyed knew that asparagus was a native UK vegetable and only half were aware of its season. Nearly three-quarters of people under 18 surveyed could... ]]></description>
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<title>Save the Date: MLFW Conference on 30th September</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/67</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/67</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:55:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The second Making Local Food Work conference, Community Enterprise in Britain's Food Future will take place on Wednesday 30th September at Bristol's Marriott Hotel City Centre.There will be the usual mix of keynote speakers, dynamic workshops and inspirational case studies as well as the opportunity to network over a delicious local food lunch. Tickets are £40 + VAT with a limited number of free places for eligible community food enterprises. To request a booking form, please contact us.   ]]></description>
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<title>Food and Fairness Inquiry Launched</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/68</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/68</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Public inquiry launched on Food and FairnessJust how fair is our food? News of hunger, obesity and bumper supermarket profits assail us over our Fairtrade breakfast brew. The world’s not perfect, but aren’t we doing enough? As the global food crisis and tight family budgets make this quandary sharper than ever, a major public inquiry wants your help.How fair is the global food system? Who are the winners and losers? Who is responsible for making it fairer?Whether you work in farming or the food business – or simply eat their products – you can give evidence until 16th July 2009.The... ]]></description>
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<title>Job Vacancy: Project Officer, Northern England</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/69</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/69</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Project Officer, Northern England Part time - 3 days per week. £23-25,000 pro rata.£10 million funding by the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund has given The Plunkett Foundation’s Making Local Food Work programme the potential to change lives in rural communities across the country. A groundbreaking initiative, the programme aims to increase access to healthy, local food through numerous co-operative and social enterprises. Join us as Project Officer for our Farmers Market strand, and you’ll provide comprehensive coordination support to Farmers Markets located between the Midlands and the Scottish border. This will include everything from booking venues and... ]]></description>
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<title>Defra: Fruit and veg marketing regulations clarified </title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/70</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/70</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Consumers will now be able to see fruit and vegetables as nature intended.Strawberries or apples for making jams and pies at home - which in the past might not have been available because of cosmetic imperfections - should now be easier to spot on the shop shelves.New EU marketing regulations come into force on 1 July which clarify the rules relating to wonky fruit and vegetables - good news for anyone keen on curvy cucumbers or partial to out-of-proportion plums.Until now, there has often been a misconception that anything which does not look “perfect” can’t be sold by retailers. But... ]]></description>
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<title>Job Vacancy: Grower, Occombe, Devon</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/71</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/71</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Occombe Farm is a 150 acre educational organic livestock farm on the edge of Paignton in Devon.  Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, which runs Occombe, has secured £475,000 of funding from the Local Food Fund and various charitable trusts for its One Planet Food Project at the farm.  The aim of the project is to promote sustainable food-growing and cooking in and around Torbay, based on the fact that we only have one planet to feed us.  The project will firstly set up a 4-acre smallholding under a “community supported agriculture” (CSA) scheme.  CSA schemes involve local people in planning... ]]></description>
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<title>New Defra Minister Praises Farmers' Markets</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/72</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/72</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Newly - appointed Minister for Food, Farming and Environment, Jim Fitzpatrick recently spoke out in favour of farmers' markets.Addressing the World Union of Wholesale Markets conference on 26th June, Mr Fitzpatrick stated that retail markets produced a ripple effect of benefit to other local businesses and created jobs. He noted that farmers' markets, in particular, were suited to meeting public demand for greater transparency over origin and production of their food, as well as providing sustainably-produced, seasonal food at reasonable prices. He concluded that, as Food Minister, he would be looking to do what he could to promote them.Read a full... ]]></description>
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<title>Tickets available for September MLFW Conference</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/73</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/73</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The second Making Local Food Work conference will take place on Wednesday 30th September 2009 at the Bristol Marriott City Centre Hotel. Titled making local food work: community enterprise and the future of food, the event will examine the key role that food-based community enterprises can play in shaping a sustainable, equitable food system for Britain in the future.  Speakers include Professor Kevin Morgan, Professor of Governance and Development at Cardiff University, and Dr Tom MacMillan, Director of the Food Ethics Council.Tickets cost £40 + VAT and a limited number of assisted places are available to representatives of community food... ]]></description>
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<title>Job Vacancy: Ecoworks Local Food Worker</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/74</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/74</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:12:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ To co-ordinate production, sales, collection and delivery of fruit and vegetables distributed by the FRESH project and manage grow-to-order arrangements supplier relationships, and fruit tree mapping. To provide training and support in growing fruit and vegetables to community groups in Nottingham, and support volunteers involved in the project. 5 year post, 3 - 4 days per week initially (including some weekends) The closing date for this post is Friday 10th July, with interviews to be held on Friday 17th July. Salary:  £18,217 - £19,940 pro rata For full details, please visit www.ecoworks.org.uk, or contact the Ecoworks office:  info@ecoworks.org.ukor 0115 9622200... ]]></description>
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<title>Win an ethical food hamper</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/75</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/75</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ We would love to have your feedback on our Governance resources so that we can develop them further and make them as useful as possible. To sweeten the deal, we're offering the chance to win a hamper chock-full of ethically sourced goodies.For more information and to fill out the short survey, please see our Governance pages. ]]></description>
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<title>Vacancies at Home Grown - Community Owned, Devon</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/76</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/76</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:08:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Devon-based local food project &quot;Home Grown - Community Owned&quot; has been awarded BIG Lottery Funding for a five year programme.  This is supported by BIG’s local food programme through the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts. They are now seeking to recruit 2 staff to deliver this programme -a part time manager and a full time project officer. Please look on CCD's vacancies page for the two posts [ link to Vacancies page ]What is ‘Home Grown - Community Owned’ ?‘Home Grown -  Community Owned’ (HogCo) is a five year project, which will work with communities across Devon to develop new projects, assets, skills and opportunities... ]]></description>
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<title>FARMA: More than half of UK households by direct from the farm</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/77</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/77</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:31:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ More than half of UK households are choosing to buy direct from the farm, according to the latest research from the National Farmers’ Retail and Markets’ Association (FARMA). The sixth annual FARMA local food sector tracking survey shows 53% of the population now buy food from direct sales outlets including farm shops, farmers’ markets, pick-your-own farms and box schemes. The survey was conducted through YouGov on 23-25 June 2009 among over 2,000 households across Great Britain. Farm shops and farmers’ markets are seeing their highest numbers of customers since FARMA began its annual tracking survey in 2004. Both show 33% of... ]]></description>
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<title>Growing Well CSA gets going</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/78</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/78</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Growing Well is a Soil Association certified social enterprise based at Low Sizergh Farm.  They grow and sell superb organic veg from their six acre site, they train all kinds of people in horticulture and they run a programme of educational visits to our site.  They do all these things as a means of creating volunteering placements for local people recovering from mental health issues, giving everyone opportunities to build their confidence and skills in a busy work environment.The following report is from the first work day of their new Community Supported Agriculture scheme. About a third of the members of our new CSA turned... ]]></description>
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<title>The Independent: Major Fruit Supplier in Wage Scandal</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/79</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/79</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:48:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ An article in today's Independent newspaper alleges that migrant workers on farms for one of the UK's larget fruit suppliers are paid as little as half minimum wage for their work. This is because charges for accommodation, services and 'pastoral care' are deducted from their paycheques. S&amp;A Produce, which supplies some of the 'Big Four' supermarkets in the UK, is the country's largest supplier of strawberries. This time of year is the busiest for fruit-picking as soft fruits are in season, so much of the labour comes in the form of migrant workers from Eastern Europe, some of whom do... ]]></description>
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<title>The Grocer: Aldi facing supplier anger over 5% cut</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/80</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/80</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:34:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Discount supermarket Aldi has angered suppliers by informing them that it will pay 5% less for their produce from the end of the month, in order to pass on price decreases on the shelves. Suppliers argue that they cannot afford to take this cut and that they would sooner stop supply than meet these conditions. Unlike the 'big four' supermarkets, Aldi has a small supplier base and is less able to use these 'strongarm' tactics to play suppliers against each other. Many suppliers therefore believe that the chain risks empty shelves if supply is cut.Read the full article on the... ]]></description>
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<title>The People's Supermarket</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/81</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/81</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:05:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Are you passionate about food and your local community?Would you like to be part of an exciting new project to change the way people buy their groceries?&#160;The People's Supermarket is a totally new kind of supermarket - which provides good quality food at affordable prices.  Owned and run by its members, on a not-for-profit basis, those who join must volunteer a few hours each month to work in the shop, which keeps the prices of their groceries low.  &#160;The People's Supermarket is a local shop which will compete with the mainstream supermarkets to challenge the belief that you can have either &quot;cheap food&quot; or &quot;good food&quot; but not both.  It... ]]></description>
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<title>Cooperatives UK announces new Chief Executive</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/82</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/82</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Co-operativesUK has announced that Ed Mayo is to take over as Chief Executive following the retirement of Dame Pauline Green in the autumn. Ed Mayo is joining Manchester-based Co-operativesUK following a career promoting social and economic innovation. Currently Chief Executive of Consumer Focus, a new statutory body, Ed helped to found the Fairtrade Mark and has been described as 'the most authoritative voice in the country speaking up for consumers'. 'In the current economic climate, I see more interest than ever in mutual and co-operative ownership models,' says Ed. 'My role, and that of Co-operativesUK, is to build support among... ]]></description>
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<title>Vacancy: Communications and Media Officer</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/83</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/83</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:04:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Plunkett FoundationCommunications and Media Officer£23-25,000Woodstock, Oxfordshire&#160;Now in its 90th year, the Plunkett Foundation is dedicated to supporting co-operatives and social enterprises in rural communities. Through a number of unique initiatives we help these communities create thriving places where people can enjoy living and working now and in the future. &#160;Join us as Communications and Media Officer and you will work across the Plunkett Foundation and our range of exciting projects as well as play a key role in the success of our Making Local Food Work programme. This groundbreaking initiative, supported by £10 million funding by the National Lottery through... ]]></description>
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<title>Greener Together Project Manager Vacancy</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/84</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/84</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:53:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Greener Together – Project Manager  £28,000 p.a. Manchester Co-operativesUK is delivering a two year national project Greener Together – The Co-operative Way funded by Defra’s Greener Living Fund. The programme aims to achieve a measurable change in pro-environmental behaviours and provide information on sustainable behaviour.  This is a beacon project for Co-operativesUK and places co-operatives firmly at the heart of the fight to mitigate the affects of climate change.   Building strong relationships with a wide range of project partners and stakeholders to boost individual member support, you’ll coordinate the successful delivery of this exciting and influential programme. You’ll also... ]]></description>
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<title>Handmade Bakery on Radio 4</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/85</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/85</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:04:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ MLFW-supported community bakery, the Handmade Bakery, was featured on yesterday's You and Yours programme on BBC Radio 4. The bakery is in Marsden, West Yorkshire, and operates as a food co-op, selling most of its bread to subscribers. In this programme, Dan McTiernan of the Handmade Bakery and Dame Pauline Green of Co-operativesUK explain what it's all about.Listen again at http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/youandyours/items/04/2009_28_thu.shtml The Handmade Bakery is being supported by the Governance and Enterprise Support strands of Making Local Food Work. ]]></description>
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<title>Advisers required for Community Shops and Local Food Project</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/86</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/86</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2009 08:49:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ MLFW Website – Community Shops and Local Food pageWould you like to join Plunkett’s team of advisers?Community Shops and Local Food supported by the Plunkett Foundation and funded by the National Lottery through Big Lottery Fund wish to recruit 15 advisers working in England. This role involves supporting Community and Village Shops in the sourcing, implementation and marketing of Local Food Ranges.If you are interested in applying please download the guidance documents.For further information, contact The Plunkett Foundation.Tel: 01993 814 383Email: Nicole.Hamilton@plunkett.co.ukClosing date for applications: Friday 7th August, 5pm. ]]></description>
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<title>Parliamentary committee urges UK to produce more sustainable food</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/87</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/87</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ UK SHOULD PRODUCE MORE FOOD, MORE SUSTAINABLY, SAYS SELECT COMMITTEE &#160;Securing food supplies up to 2050: the challenges for the UK-Report publishedThe UK has a moral obligation to contribute to the global challenge of securing future food supplies, concludes the EFRA Committee in a report published today. “If people go hungry then political stability goes out of the window. This is a key lesson that Defra must learn from last year’s food price hike when some countries ran short of food. What happened showed just how fine the line is between full supermarket shelves and empty stomachs,” said Committee Chairman... ]]></description>
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<title>The Times: Bumper crop of British plums expected</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/88</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/88</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Growers are predicting a bumper crop for British plums this summer after the best weather conditions in years. Trees have been so laden with fruit that growers have had to thin the branches to protect the crop and ensure that the plums reach the 45mm diameter desired by supermarkets. The key this year has been the combination of a very cold winter with temperatures falling below zero on many successive nights followed by an ideal spring, with temperatures growing steadily warmer.Read the rest of the article here: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/article6720910.ece ]]></description>
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<title>Guardian: US woman bakes her way out of mortgage crisis</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/89</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/89</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A New Jersey woman has cooked up a sweet solution to a bitter financial jam: a bake sale.Angela Logan has sold enough frosted &quot;mortgage apple cakes&quot; to meet a $2,600 (£1,600) loan payment on her house and avoid foreclosure.Following a slew of television appearances and news stories on her plight, the divorced mother of three is overwhelmed with orders from as far away as Hong Kong and a US military base in Iraq, she has told media.An actress and comedian, Logan ran into financial trouble after a building contractor cheated her and her agent went out of business without paying... ]]></description>
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<title>'Pig Business' exposé of the pork industry online for a limited time</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/90</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/90</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ If you haven't already seen Pig Business, the documentary by campaigner Tracy Worcester about globalised industrial pig farming, then we thoroughly recommend it. Aired on Channel 4 on 30th June, it is available to watch online until 29th July.The film exposes the human, animal and environmental cost of hyper-intensive pig farming practices employed by the largest pork suppliers in order to reduce costs. Some of the footage is quite hard to stomach.Fortunately, as highlighted by Jamie Oliver and others in recent months, the welfare standards of the British pork industry are much higher. The best way to be really sure... ]]></description>
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<title>Follow us on Twitter!</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/91</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/91</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:49:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Making Local Food Work now has a Twitter profile. Get the latest tweets from the world of Community Food Enterprise at http://twitter.com/janmlfw  ]]></description>
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<title>Study muddies waters in 'food miles' debate</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/92</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/92</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A Defra-sponsored study, recently brought to light by Farmers' Weekly, claims that foods such as chicken and strawberries, produced in the UK, could be less 'green' than the same imported from Brazil or Spain. The life-cycle analysis of several key foodstuffs was carried out from 2007-8According to the report from Cranfield University, this is because the energy inputs for many foods in intensive production in the UK are higher than for the same methods overseas (for example, the energy costs of transporting soya feed for chickens or for heating greenhouses for strawberries). But the report focuses on out-of-season production using intensive methods, or... ]]></description>
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<title>Tesco getting into the allotment game</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/93</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/93</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:32:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Tesco have been branded 'hypocrites' by campaigners in Suffolk over plans to open allotments next to one of their Dobbies garden centres, whilst threatening existing allotments in Suffolk with a new construction.The supermarket giant has applied for planning permission to provide 30 plots to local residents in Southport, Lancashire, in order to encourage people to grow their own vegetables. Meanwhile, campaigners from Hadleigh in Suffolk say that a proposed store there will result in the loss of 50 plots and a local beauty spot. One allotment holder said:&quot;It is complete hypocrisy for Tesco to pretend to be concerned about the need for allotments... ]]></description>
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<title>Video about community-owned grocer's shop</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/94</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/94</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:34:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Watch this BBC film about Green Valley Grocer, the community-owned grocery shop in Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire:http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8142471.stm  ]]></description>
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<title>Conference places booking up fast</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/95</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/95</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:31:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Places at our next conference, Making local food work: community enterprise and the future of food, are once again selling like locally-baked hot cakes. There are still a few free and paying places available but we would urge you to book early to avoid disappointment. &#160;&#160;For further details of the conference and to book a place, please visit our conference page. &#160; ]]></description>
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<title>Economy Gastronomy, BBC2, Weds</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/96</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/96</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A new programme on BBC Two hopes to help households eat well and eat affordably during the Recession.Top chefs Allegra McEvedy and Paul Merrett have devised Economy Gastronomy, a system to slash our food bills and eat better than we've ever done before. The Economy Gastronomy system will show every household in Britain how to save time and money and still create amazing, flavour-packed meals on a budget.Chris and Julia England have three children - nine-year-old Billy and twins coming up to the terrible twos. Julia is a classroom assistant who has just learned that her contract will not be... ]]></description>
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<title>The Grocer: Competition Commission calls for supermarket ombudsman ‘as soon as practicable’</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/97</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/97</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Competition Commission has called on the government to set up a supermarket ombudsman as soon as possible after failing to reach agreement with the major multiples.Commission chairman Peter Freeman has today written to business minister Kevin Brennan urging him to set up the watchdog “as quickly as is practicable”.The commission believes the ombudsman will be a key remedy for settling disputes between suppliers and retailers and investigate complaints under the new Groceries Supply Code of Practice.The body has been talking to the major retailers since last November in a bid to reach an agreement over the remit of the... ]]></description>
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<title>BBC Radio 4: Is our food too cheap?</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/98</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/98</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:28:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Interesting debate on the Reality Check show about the price of food in the supermarket. There's a chance to listen again and have your say on the BBC website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00lv6fnNeedless to say, Community Food Enterprises mean that affordable food needn't be 'cheap' in terms of quality or the price given to the farmer.  ]]></description>
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<title>'The Future of Food' - BBC2, 9pm</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/99</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/99</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The first episode of this three-part series airs tonight on BBC2: George Alagiah travels the world to reveal a growing global food crisis. With food riots on three continents recently, and unprecedented competition for food due to population growth and changing diets, there is a looming problem. George joins a Masai chief among the skeletons of cattle he has lost to climate change, and the English farmer who tells him why food production in the UK is also hit. He investigates what is wrong with people's diets and talks to top nutritionist Susan Jebb, DEFRA minister Hilary Benn and Nobel laureate... ]]></description>
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<title>Co-operatives Consultation</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/100</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/100</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2009 09:05:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Co-operatives and local communities - a positive impact? Do you think that your co-operative makes a positive difference to the local community where it operates? Co-operativesUK, the trade body for co-operatives, knows that many co-operatives do and so is putting in place a programme of activity to begin evidencing this impact. The first stage of this programme is a survey to begin capturing exactly what this impact is. For example, do staff or members get involved in local volunteer work or participate in local decision making? We would be grateful if you could complete a survey, or pass this information... ]]></description>
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<title>How fair is the food sector?</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/101</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/101</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Consumers encouraged to have their say on what is wrong with the current global food systemObesity, hunger and worker exploitation - these are just some of the problems with our current food system.In a bid to open up public debate on the issues, the Food Ethics Council has launched an inquiry into food and fairness.The charity is running three public meetings on the issues at which key figures from across the food sector, including Fairtrade Foundation CEO Harriet Lamb, Andrew Opie from the British Retail Consortium and Paul Whitehouse, chair of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority, will debate the problems.Some of... ]]></description>
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<title>Join in Defra's 'Food 2030' Discussion</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/102</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/102</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:28:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Defra is inviting people to comment on their Food 2030 project, which is examining how to meet food security targets by increasing food production in sustainable ways.You can join in the discussion online at http://sandbox.defra.gov.uk/food2030/ ]]></description>
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<title>All free places taken at MLFW conference</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/103</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/103</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2009 08:48:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ All of the free spaces available to representatives of community food enterprises at the forthcoming Making Local Food Work conference have now been allocated.There are still a few paying places left at £40+VAT per person. Please see our conference page for more information and a booking form. Making local food work: community enterprise and the future of food will take place on Wednesday 30th September in Bristol. Speakers include Barny Haughton from Bordeaux Quay, Prof Kevin Morgan from Cardiff University, Dr Tom MacMillan from the Food Ethics Council and Tim Crabtree from Local Food Links.  ]]></description>
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<title>Organic Food Festival, Bristol, 12th - 13th Sept</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/104</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/104</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:04:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Held September 12-13 at Bristol’s scenic Harbourside, the Organic Food Festival is organised in association with the Soil Association and with the generous support of Yeo Valley. It is Europe’s largest showcase of the organic community, with hundreds of organic products, an organic bar, cooking demonstrations with Raymond Blanc, Barny Haughton and other top chefs, childrens taste workshops and a lively Street Food Bazaar.The purpose of the Organic Food Festival is to bring together and expand our organic community. We want to introduce more people to the pioneers growing delicious organic food, items for home and garden, beautiful fibres and... ]]></description>
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<title>Localised Food Supply, Cuban Style</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/105</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/105</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Many people will have heard of how ordinary Cubans rose to the challenge of meeting their food needs when imports, on which they were so dependent, ran out. In the emergence of semi-autonomous, co-operatively owned 'Organiponicos', you can see the obvious connection with our own, not-so-distant future and how crucial community involvement will be.There's a great and inspiring video on the BBC News site about it: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8213617.stm ]]></description>
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<title>Job Vacancies: Mapping Co-ordinators</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/106</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/106</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:56:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Food Webs and Mapping project is recruiting two Regional Mapping Co-ordinators to manage the mapping of local food webs in the South West and West Midlands. Please see our jobs page for more information and to apply.  ]]></description>
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<title>Job Vacancies: Regional Food Co-op Advisers</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/107</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/107</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:08:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Food Co-ops and Buying Groups project, led by Sustain, is looking to recruit eight regional advisers to support the development of food co-ops across England.Please see our jobs page for more information and details of how to apply.  ]]></description>
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<title>September Making Local Food Work newsletter now online</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/108</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/108</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:59:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Welcome to the September edition of the MLFW newsletterSeptember is always a busy month for the programme, as we prepare to wind up the year’s financial and impact reporting, but it also provides an opportunity to look back at what we have achieved.As the second year of MLFW draws to a close, we can already see many examples of community food enterprises supported or inspired by our work, as well as a surge in interest from the Press as people begin to understand the importance of re-connecting with food production and supply. Our message is increasing in popularity, as demonstrated... ]]></description>
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<title>Job Vacancy - Project Manager for Community Supported Agriculture and Organic Buying Groups Project</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/109</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/109</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Soil Association is part of an England-wide partnership programme – ‘Making Local Food Work’ -  with 5 other national organisations, funded by the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund, to explore the potential for ‘social enterprise’  to provide greater access to local food. Community Supported Agriculture, buying groups and food co-ops are all types of local food ‘social enterprise’. From April 2008 to March 2012 the Soil Association is running a CSA and organic buying groups project. This project will widely promote the concepts of CSA and organic buying groups, provide practical support to new initiatives and organise... ]]></description>
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<title>Making Local Food Work conference held in British Food Fortnight (19 Sept - 4 Oct)</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/111</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/111</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Plans for 2009      The eighth British Food Fortnight takes place from 19 September to 4 October 2009 during Harvest Festival, the traditional time for celebrating our food.The event will celebrate the diverse and delicious range of food that Britain produces with promotions and tastings in shops, all-British menus in pubs and restaurants, food and cookery lessons in schools and glorious food festivals. Whether you are shopping in supermarkets or local shops, or eating in pubs or restaurants you will be able to enjoy the best of British food during the Fortnight.The ‘Buy British’ message will be promoted in outlets nationwide... ]]></description>
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<title>Conference News - Making Local Food Work: Community Enterprise and the Future of Food</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/112</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/112</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Making Local Food Work: Community Enterprise and the Future of Food Conference – 30th September 2009, BristolWe look forward to seeing you at Community Enterprise and the Future of Food, the second Making Local Food Work conference.  As with the first conference in March this event is a sell out with 250 people attending which is fantastic and demonstrates the appetite for these approaches.Headline speakers at the event includeProfessor Kevin Morgan of Cardiff UniversityTim Crabtree, Director of Local Food LinksBarny Haughton of Bordeaux QuayMore about the event....The people attending the event are a mix of community food enterprises, support organisations,... ]]></description>
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<title>Job Vacancy - Making Local Food Work Administrator</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/113</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/113</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:36:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ AdministratorCompetitive salary • Woodstock, OxfordshireAre you excited by the idea of helping sustainable community enterprises to reconnect people with, and increase access to, local food? As the administrator for Plunkett Foundation, the national charity that is the UK's leading exponent of rural social enterprise, you’ll be doing just that, by supporting farmers’ markets, community-owned village shops, community transport schemes, food co-operatives and local food distribution hubs throughout England. You’ll also be a first point of contact for the Making Local Food Work programme, run by Plunkett Foundation. This groundbreaking initiative is supported by £10 million funding by the National Lottery... ]]></description>
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<title>Making Local Food Work Good Food, Good Governance Training Days</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/114</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/114</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:29:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Co-operativesUK Good Food, Good Governance Team, as a partner in the Making Local Food Work programme, is organising further interactive training and advice workshops to help community food enterprises to operate in an accountable, efficient and democratic way.And with just three Good Food, Good Governance training days left before Christmas 2009, we wanted to send a quick reminder to ensure you don’t miss out!Over the next few months, we will be running Governance and Legal Structures training days across the country in the following cities: Sheffield – 17 November at The Circle Newcastle – 25 November at Ouseburn City... ]]></description>
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<title>New Making Local Food Work report - Community Investment in Community Supported Agriculture</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/115</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/115</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:33:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A new Making Local Food Work report has just been released.   Community Investment in Community Supported Agriculture was produced by community shares expert Jim Brown for the Community Supported Agriculture Strand of Making Local Food Work.The report can be downloaded from Making Local Food Work partner the Soil Association's website.  Follow the link belowhttp://tiny.cc/oaegs ]]></description>
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<title>News of Community Supported Agriculture training events through Making Local Food Work</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/116</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/116</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:36:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ As part of our work to develop a network of CSAs throughout England under the Making Local Food Work programme, we are running a series of CSA training days over the winter months.  All these events will take place in Leeds or Sheffield, and are free to CSA practitioners (local, organic lunch included!).Although they will be useful as individual training events, I throroughly recommend you attend them all if you are able to. They are being led by experts in the various fields, and are designed to  provide you with the technical knowledge and confidence to launch or expand your... ]]></description>
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<title>PRESS RELEASE - Government backs social enterprise model for farmers markets</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/117</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/117</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:54:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ 14 October 2009 Farmers’ markets run by social enterprises should be supported due to the potential benefits they provide to communities say a new Government report on traditional retail markets.The report backed the approach taken by Making Local Food Work in helping support the development of social enterprise models of farmers’ markets as a way of providing a vehicle for producers to provide local food to their communities.The Collaborative Farmers’ Market project is part of Making Local Food Work, a programme delivered by seven national organisations which helps people to take ownership of their food and where it comes from.  The... ]]></description>
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<title>EVENT - Finding the Plot: Access to land for food growing groups in urban areas</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/118</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/118</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Sustain's Local Action on Food Network and The Women's Environmental Network (WEN) are jointly organising this event for community food groups and individuals from across the country that are facing challenges in obtaining land for sustainable food production. This event will allow attendees to share skills and experience on how, through policy and practice, access to land can be improved across the UK.Sustain are a partner of Making Local Food Work. The day will include:Talks from experts and keynote speaker Rosie Boycott, chair of the London Food Board.Lunch and an exclusive tour of the RISC edible roof gardenAn afternoon programme of issue... ]]></description>
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<title>Community Food Enterprise Walton Lea Project received £20,000 from the Secret Millionaire!</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/119</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/119</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Walton Lea Project, a social enterprise which has been supported by the Enterprise Support project of Making Local Food Work received a visit from the Secret Millionaire a few weeks ago.  On the programme broadcast today (14th October), the Walton Lea Project received £20,000 from the Secret Millionaire to help develop their work.The Walton Lea Project (WLP) was established in 1998 to provide supported employment, training and life chance for adults with learning difficulties. The project is based near Warrington within the setting of a Victorian walled garden where plants and fruit and vegetables are grown and sold to... ]]></description>
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<title>World Food Day - 16 October 2009</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/120</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/120</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Today (16th October) is World Food Day organised by the Food and Agriculture Orgaization of the United Nations (FAO).Below is some information from the FAO website.Achieving Food Security in Times of CrisisAt a time when the global economic crisis dominates the news, the world needs to be reminded that not everyone works in offices and factories. The crisis is stalking the small-scale farms and rural areas of the world, where 70 percent of the world's hungry live and work. With an estimated increase of 105 million hungry people in 2009, there are now 1.02 billion malnourished people in the world, meaning that... ]]></description>
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<title>New! Finance tutorial for shop managers, staff and volunteers.</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/121</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/121</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:42:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Enteprise Support project have produced a financial management training manual for community shop workers. A very comprehensive document that can stand alone as a tutorial or be used in conjunction with an associated training course. The manual can downloaded free from the Social Business Toolbox.If someone from your shop is interested in taking part in a training course, then please get in touch with Nicole Hamilton at Plunkett. nicole.hamilton@plunkett.co.uk Tel 01993 814383.    ]]></description>
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<title>New! Finance tutorial for shop managers, staff and volunteers.</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/121</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/121</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:42:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Enteprise Support project have produced a financial management training manual for community shop workers. A very comprehensive document that can stand alone as a tutorial or be used in conjunction with an associated training course. The manual can downloaded free from the Social Business Toolbox.If someone from your shop is interested in taking part in a training course, then please get in touch with Nicole Hamilton at Plunkett. nicole.hamilton@plunkett.co.uk Tel 01993 814383.    ]]></description>
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<title>Loxley Valley Community Farm, South Yorkshire featured on River Cottage!  Channel 4, 26th November 2009</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/124</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/124</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:07:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Loxley Valley Community Farm in South Yorkshire was featured on River Cottage last night (26th November) on Channel 4.  The community farm has received support through Making Local Food Work, a programme which helps people to take ownership of their food and where it comes from.  Funded by the Big Lottery Fund, Making Local Food Work is working to support 650 local food community enterprises to increase access to and awareness of local food for 1 million people by 2012.About the Community FarmJust outside Sheffield, past the end of the last tram stop, in a field on the slopes of... ]]></description>
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<title>Co-operatives UK announces new free training events for 2010</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/125</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/125</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ As part of the Making Local Food Work programme, Co-operativesUK are running free training events for development workers and community food enterprises.  For further details, visit www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/training/ ]]></description>
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<title>Enterprise Support for The Peoples Supermarket</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/128</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/128</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:48:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Enterprise Support project are pleased to announce support for the exciting  'Peoples Supermarket' based in London. Led by charismatic chef and restaurant owner Arthur Potts Dawson, The Peoples Supermarket, currently in planning, aims to change the way we shop and buy food. This is a supermarket that is run by the people, for the people, selling the best food at the lowest possible prices.Based on a tried and tested model from The United States, this community owned supermarket will be staffed largely by volunteer members, who will enjoy discounted shopping in return for a few hours work each month. Enterprise Support consultant... ]]></description>
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<title>Enterprise Support for The Peoples Supermarket</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/128</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/128</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:48:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Enterprise Support project are pleased to announce support for the exciting  'Peoples Supermarket' based in London. Led by charismatic chef and restaurant owner Arthur Potts Dawson, The Peoples Supermarket, currently in planning, aims to change the way we shop and buy food. This is a supermarket that is run by the people, for the people, selling the best food at the lowest possible prices.Based on a tried and tested model from The United States, this community owned supermarket will be staffed largely by volunteer members, who will enjoy discounted shopping in return for a few hours work each month. Enterprise Support consultant... ]]></description>
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<title>Communities must be engaged in the future of food, says Making Local Food Work</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/129</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/129</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Government’s Food 2030 report needs to go a step further by engaging communities in food production and food security according to Making Local Food Work, a partnership of organisations which help communities to take ownership of their food and where it comes from.Peter Couchman, Chief Executive of the Plunkett Foundation which leads the Making Local Food Work partnership said; “While we welcome this as the first major food report in sixty years, we feel that the vision set out in the report does not reflect the change in the relationships that consumers increasingly want to have with the food... ]]></description>
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<title>Making Local Food Work Supplier Survey 2010 </title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/130</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/130</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Making Local Food Work have distributed their most recent survey asking food suppliers about their interest in supplying produce to local shops and retailers. The first areas to be targeted have been Yorkshire and Humber and surveys to other regions will be rolled-out in the next few weeks. The results will be collated to assist Making Local Food Work in connecting local people with locally produced food and to support networks operating within local food supply chains.Making Local Food Work have been assisted by Big Barn in this project. If you are a food supplier in England who would like to... ]]></description>
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<title>Campaigns &#x26; Events Officer Required - Making Local Food Work</title>
<link>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/132</link>
<guid>http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/news/news.cfm/newsid/132</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Plunkett FoundationCampaigns and Events Officer£23-25,000Woodstock, OxfordshireThe Plunkett Foundation helps rural communities to take control of the issues important to them through community-ownership.  Through a number of unique initiatives, from establishing community-owned shops to supporting community food enterprises, we help these communities create thriving places where people can enjoy living and working now and in the future. Join us as Campaigns and Events Officer and you will work across the Plunkett Foundation and our range of exciting projects as well as play a key role in the success of our Making Local Food Work programme. This groundbreaking initiative, supported by £10... ]]></description>
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