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13/11/08
Having an organic Christmas:
where to buy organic food in Wales
A new guide to organic food in Wales, ‘Local Organic 2008-09’, has been
produced by Organic Centre Wales with sponsorship from Rachel’s Organic. It
lists over 120 outlets in Wales, including farms which sell direct to the
public, farmers’ markets and shops, and is the perfect way to find organic
produce for the festive season.
“Christmas is the time of year when we value the quality of our food most of
all,” said Carolyn Wacher of Organic Centre Wales, who compiled the guide. “For
those that care about animal welfare, or are concerned about the health effects
of pesticides, food additives and genetically modified ingredients then organic
food is a safe and healthy option. Buying local and organic really does mean
that we cut down on food miles and support the farmers and the rural economy.”
Christmas turkeys, fresh from Cefn Maen farm in Raglan, seasonal mincemeat
and plum puddings made by Kite Wholefoods in Pontyberem and a whole range of
Christmas fare is available on mail order from Graig Farm Organics. But if you
want a change this year, why not try some organic venison from Llantrithyd Deer
Park in Bonvilston, or pork from Poyning Farm, Llandrindod Wells.
In north Wales too, more and more organic producers are selling direct to the
public, and at Llan Farm in Llanfrothen, beef boxes are available from Scottish
Highland, Welsh Black, Galloway or Aberdeen Angus cattle. Rhug Farm also have
Bronze turkeys, and Christmas geese, gammons and hams, all direct from farm
shop, or on mail order.
Speciality cheeses are a must for Christmas and there are lots of organic
cheeses to choose from including the new Hafod mature cheddar and Caerfai, a
traditional cheese, both from unpasteurised milk. Perl Wen and Perl Las from
Caws Cenarth and many others are available from outlets in the Guide, including
Blasau in Machynlleth, Blas ar Fwyd In Llanwrst, The Treehouse in Aberystwyth
and Jo’s Organic Stores in Penarth and other good food shops.
‘Local Organic: where to buy fresh, local organic food and drink in Wales
2008-2009’ is available free of charge from Organic Centre Wales. Please call
01970 622248 or e-mail ccw@aber.ac.uk and
we’ll send it out the same day. It can also be
downloaded here.
Ends
More information
Carolyn Wacher, Consumer and Events Co-ordinator, Organic Centre Wales,
Aberystwyth University. Tel. 01970 622248, e-mail
ccw@aber.ac.uk.
Notes for the editor
1. Organic Centre Wales is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government to provide
information on organic food and farming to producers, food businesses, consumers
and others. It is based at Aberystwyth University and run by a partnership
consisting of ADAS Wales, the Organic Research Centre Elm Farm, and the
Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences at Aberystwyth
University.
2. The Guide was supported by Welsh Assembly Government and Rachel’s Organic,
Britain’s first ever certified organic dairy producing a wide range of organic
yogurts, milk, desserts, cream and crème fraiche.
3. Respondents to our recent Welsh Organic Producer Survey in Autumn 2007
indicate that 37% of those producers selling direct to the public were
experiencing strong sales. Responses from fourteen producers operating Box
Schemes indicate that many were also seeing strong demand for their organic
produce. To receive a copy of this Survey, please contact OCW on 01970 622248.
4. The latest data from Defra and WAG show that organic farming has continued
to grow fast in Wales. In 2007 the number of certified organic and in-conversion
holdings and area grew by 21% compared to 2006, to 857 holdings on 96000 ha, or
6.4% of Welsh agricultural land.
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