If the people of Shropshire do not support shops and markets in the local food web now future years could belong to the retail giants, it was claimed today.

Selby Martin, vice president of the Shropshire branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said the expansion of supermarkets and big chains could squeeze out remaining county food traders and real choices of where to shop.

He said there was a danger people will forget what fresh, seasonal food tastes like.

Mr Martin said he backed a new national campaign by the CPRE to encourage people to buy seasonal goods from farm shops and independent traders.

He said: “Places such as Battlefield 1403 farm shop in Shrewsbury are fantastic and we should support them.

“It’s not just about being friendly to the environment, the truth of the matter is the welfare of the countryside depends on the welfare of the farmers and we support them because they influence the countryside and the landscape.

“Of course you can’t do all your shopping at a farm shop but if you want quality fresh produce then it is important to buy from them otherwise they might not be here in the future.”

Mr Martin said local food offered good value. Local food bought from farmers markets, farm shops, pick-your-own farms and box schemes also tasted superb with wholesome, fresh seasonal foods aplenty.

CPRE vice-president Caroline Cranbrook and author of Food Webs and CPRE report The Real Choice, said: “A return to localism is going to become extremely important in solving many of the problems that face us, particularly food security and climate change.

“By maintaining and establishing local food chains, reducing waste and generating our own energy we will help safeguard the future. By buying locally you really can make a difference.”

A local food web consists of the network of links between people who produce, process, supply, sell and buy food in an area.

These relationships benefit livelihoods, the quality of life and the quality and character of the towns and countryside, according to campaigners.

CPRE is mapping 21 local food webs. The project forms part of the Making Local Food Work programme funded by the Big Lottery from 2007 to 2012.

By Russell Roberts