Support our farmers: buy local (From Western Telegraph)

Support our farmers: buy local

Paying a premium for imported strawberries in the dead of winter was once regarded as the height of culinary sophistication.

Now, any foodies worth their salt will insist on the freshest local ingredients in season. And what better time of the year then for consumers to make a conscious effort to fill their shopping baskets with local produce. The Pembrokeshire countryside is bursting with flavour. There is a glorious abundance of the freshest fruit and vegetables, cows produce milk from the lushest of grassland, fishermen land all manner of tasty catches from the Pembrokeshire coast.

The 'buy local' mantra may seem rather commonplace nowadays, when every supermarket stocks local produce. But farmers still regard this as a token gesture when the majority of shelf space is devoted to imported food.

Independent retailers have always been quick to support local producers. A visit to a shop like Wisebuys is a treat at any time of the year, the shelves are always laden with seasonal produce - from the first crop of Pembroke-shire new potatoes to locally-picked strawberries.

There was a time when local food suppliers had all but vanished due to competition from large agri-business. But the passionate crusade of people like Pembrokeshire County Council's Food and Crafts Officer, Kate Morgan, has led to the return of farmers' markets across the county.

Their success has been a catalyst for producers in neighbouring Ceredigion where the fourth farmers' market was established at Cardigan.

As consumers have become more questioning about the origins of their food, these markets have become very popular. Where else would they be able to speak first hand with food producers?

Make this summer the season for placing the highest emphasis on the art of the farmer, above the art of a chef, and give your support local producers.