Star comment: Support our local producers
There has never been a more important time to buy British food and drink.
The UK is swamped by cheap imports as our global market place becomes increasingly competitive.
Producers in warmer climates are able to cultivate greater yields more cheaply than producers at home.
Low cost transport and logistics means those in Europe, Africa and South America can put their goods onto local shelves at a lower price than people right on our doorstep.
Against that backdrop, farmers in rural Shropshire are struggling to make ends meet. Many have taken non-violent direct action against supermarkets, including dairy farmers who have staged protests while soliciting for a better price. They have given their milk away to supermarket customers, illustrating the rough deal that they get.
Others have sought to diversify in order to make a living. They have created new products, sought to add value, signed up for farmers markets and food festivals: anything that keeps the wolf from the door.
The situation is acute. The NFU has highlighted the difficulties faced by those who receive less for their goods than they cost to produce. Some are in an unsustainable environment, making a loss on every item they sell.
There is hope, however. Shropshire and Mid-Wales has one of the most exciting and diverse artisan food and drink scenes in the UK. Scores of small and medium-sized businesses are exporting their flavours of Shropshire to clients around the world.
As a county, Shropshire might not be able to compete when it comes to quantity – but it is near the top of the pile when it comes to quality.
The county frequently punches above its weight at awards ceremonies, it has a number of producers who feature in the top 100 and exceptional quality is regularly celebrated at markets and festivals.
One local smokery has provided an excellent example of the region's talent by winning an order to supply the Orient Express. Chirk Smokery goes back to basics and makes food the way that those from earlier generations once did.
In doing so, they have to charge a little more for their produce. But their customers think that's a price worth paying.
As Christmas draws near, we will spend millions of pounds on food and drink as part of our festive celebrations. People power can play a part. We can support our local artisans, when we can afford it, to help sustain the local economy.
