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We believe there’s good grounds to rename Back British Farming Day as Eat Well Today or Best Eat Regional Produce (excuse the latter’s acronym).
Why is this of interest to Tom’s Cottage Cornwall, our guests or anyone considering holidaying with us? Because we value local produce for reasons that matter to everybody, irrespective of patriotic inclinations. We also have inside knowledge of British agriculture, so have an informed perspective.
Tom’s Cottage sits in grass-growing country, surrounded by a field pattern that goes back hundreds of years; complete with Cornish hedges populated by indigenous trees. Naturally suited to grazing livestock, this is the primary type of farming in the area; and is a very different system from some overseas operations.
Prior to running Tom’s Cottage, the proprietors farmed the attached land. They reared suckler beef and lamb on a forage system, with particular attention to nurturing wildlife habitats. Because they are countryfolk that value the natural environment, and because they take pride in the skill-set they developed for minimal artificial inputs while excelling in high animal welfare. The combination produced premium meat that went direct to a local butcher, and preserved the land’s character.
These strong farming roots are what Tom’s Cottage is all about – the locality. Having confidence in the production system, reducing food miles and supporting the local economy. The principal is the same across all food groups: for sustainably sourced seafood, fruit, veg and cereal products like bread.
Even British sugar is a thing – made from sugar beet (a cousin to beetroot); and Grandfather Tom was a crop inspector for British Sugar way back in their early days! Ever noticed fields in May covered in a yellow bloom? That’s oilseed rape that makes rapeseed oil. Scottish grown oats are readily available as oat-milk now and UK soy bean production is under development. British growers are expanding their share of the cut flowers market while British wool that doesn’t make the clothing grade is excelling as loft insulation.
Of course there’s times when nothing but an orange or banana hits the mark, but we feel eating seasonally, wherever you are, is the spice of life. The first new potatoes (Cornish grown) and local strawberries both dance on the tongue and mark early summer. Freshly picked plums or apples make us hanker an autumnal crumble topping. Tracking new season produce really does vitalise taste buds and makes for a varied diet. No long-haul refrigeration, pre-ripe picking and extended shelf-life treatments.
Check out Love British Food’s seasonal calendar for some inspiration.
The provenance of local/regional/UK food is also key to us – it has been produced to British standards: high animal welfare, world-leading crop husbandry and environmentally friendly; throughout all processes. Audited and assured.
Then there’s the additional security blanket of buying from independent businesses – if they’ve not grown an item they’ll know where they sourced it, and are delighted to discuss the pros and cons of what they have to offer. The whole operation is subject to British regulation, from Trading Standards to HMRC. And they are a source of local employment.
These are the reasons Tom’s Cottage supports Back British Farming, because what we eat makes us who we are. Anybody need anything from the farm shop?
Back British Farming Day is organised by the NFU
