Local Economy

Bioregional Development is a registered charity established in 1994 taking a market led approach to sustainable development based on the principle of local production for local needs. It aims to establish a network of regional industries based on sustainable land use and the promotion of appropriate technology.

E-mail info@bioregional.com or visit www.bioregional.com

A study showed £10 spent in a local organic box scheme in Cornwall generates around £25 for the local economy - compared to approximately £14 for spending in a typical supermarket. This means that spending money in a local food initiative is nearly twice as beneficial for the local economy as supermarket spending in terms of local money flows. Add to this the environmental benefits and it's not hard to see why local food initiatives are so important for local economies. Source: New Economics Foundation, July 2001

Vegetable Box schemes offering a weekly selection of fresh, locally grown, organically produced vegetables, delivered to your door, covering areas of Berkshire are:

Sheepdrove Organic Farm Order on-line at www.sheepdrove.com

Tolhurst Organic Produce Tel/Fax: 0118 9843428 (Iain Tolhurst)

All year round vegetable box scheme delivered to neighbourhood reps in Reading area every Thursday late pm. Minimum number required for drop-off is eight people. No buy-ins, all grown locally at Whitchurch.

Based near Henley, Eat Organic delivers organic vegetables and dry goods. Order on-line at www.eatorganic.co.uk

The Ethical Food Company started a new box scheme and online shop in 2005.

Credit Unions are financial co-operatives owned and run by members. They offer accessible savings and funds for low interest loans. There are three types of credit unions defined by:

• Geographical area
• Occupation or workplace
• Community of association, ie church, club etc.

The award-winning Global Credit Union set up by Reading Borough Council to help low-income families make their homes more energy efficient is an example of the first type.

Visit Social Enterprise Berkshire at www.seberkshire.org

There are farmers' markets in Maidenhead, Ascot, Hungerford, Reading & Purley on Thames, Windsor, Wokingham and Newbury, offering a wide range of fresh, high quality produce direct from local growers and producers.

Many are run by the Thames Valley Farmers' Market Co-operative.

Successful Local Exchange Trading Schemes (LETS) are running in Bracknell, Maidenhead and Reading.

People who join a scheme, a sophisticated barter network, can trade with each other, swapping skills, goods, services and hire of equipment, using a local 'unit of exchange'.

This helps to meet the needs of the local community, by:

• empowering people on low incomes
• encouraging people to use and develop their skills
• building local communities

For more information visit the national website at www.letslinkuk.net/

Much is happening on the local food scene in particular the development of farmers' markets over the past ten years which have helped to "save the bacon" of many local producers. Local farm shops are also experiencing a surge in support as many stock a wide range of home grown and locally sourced produce.

The Berkshire Food Group (forming part of the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes, and Oxfordshire Food Group) is open to membership by a range of interested parties from local authorities, schools, producers and individuals.

For more information visit www.local-food.net and to see the on-line directory of the local Food Guide.

Slow Food

Slow Food is an international non-profit, eco-gastronomic movement with an active local group, comprising producers and food lovers alike, who gather to connect with and celebrate the pleasures of the table and a shared passion for real food. Slow Food works internationally to promote food, which is good, clean and fair by spreading taste education, defending biodiversity and connecting producers with co-producers, engaging the youth to shape the future of Slow Food.

Key objectives are: to educate people about good, clean and fair food; and to promote and protect food heritages and biodiversity within a worldwide context

Slow Food Berkshire & Wiltshire holds many events throughout the year. For more information visit www.slowfood.org.uk

E-mail: Clare Marriage, Convivium Leader at slowfoodbw@hotmail.co.uk

Farm Shops in West Berkshire

Wickcroft Farm, Pangbourne Road, Theale
Locally grown and produced meat and poultry, drink, cakes, cheese, vegetables, fruit, honey etc. Some organic produce. Open Wed - Sat, 9 am - 6 pm. Tel: 0118 930 5159 E-mail: admin@wickcroftfarmshop.co.uk

Cobbs Farm and Kitchen, Bath Road, Hungerford, RG17 0SP
Here at Cobbs Farm we have redeveloped the shop with new products and lines including a cheese and olive counter as well continuing the pick your own of varied fruits and vegetables between June - September. From September ’08 the farm shop will also include a Butchers, Bakers, Fishmonger and Restaurant.

We also have a new child’s play area outside as well as extended patio seating for customers who wish to sit outside, eat and relax. Contact Hannah Bruce, Tel: 01488 686221 e:mail: hannah_bruce@hotmail.com

Prosperous Home Farm, Salisbury Road, Hungerford
Double Guernsey cream, milk, yoghurt, creme fraiche. Shop open 7 days a week. Tel: 01488 682725

WI markets have been running in the UK since 1919 and enable individuals to sell home baked and produced food and crafts direct to the public. In towns and villages throughout the UK weekly WI markets have been running for many years. Berkshire has WI markets in Cookham, Pangbourne, Reading, Windsor, Thatcham and Wokingham. Visit their national website at www.wimarkets.co.uk