As we notice the subtle shifts in nature – leaves turning gold, misty mornings and branches heavy with fruit – farmers and foragers alike are bringing in the harvest.
Reaping the bounty of the ripening fruits, crops and fattened livestock is a long-time tradition in many countries across the globe, not least here in the UK. To acknowledge this, Love British Food set up a dedicated fortnight-long celebration.
The British Food Fortnight campaign, which this year runs from September 17 to October 2, is now in its 21st year and its aim is simple – ‘to encourage people to discover the diverse and delicious food made in Britain and to actively seek it out’.
Here at Lakings, we’re proud to sell only British produce in our butchery. In fact, our butchery is supplied by a team of hand-picked ‘hyper-local’ producers. We work with a handful of farmers, based as close as possible to the heart of our business, here in the undulating, lush hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds.
Our pigs come from a state-of-the-art Red Tractor Lincolnshire farm, our Lincoln Red beef is farmed locally, just five miles away from our Louth-based shop and we have our own herd of pedigree sheep, with supply to our butchery supplemented by a farmer just a few miles up the road.
Our chickens travel from a farm outside of the county, and even then, we’ve kept our supplier close to home by choosing Edward Wilkinson’s Herb Fed chickens, based in the neighbouring county of Yorkshire.
But why buy British?
The reasons are many and varied, as listed on the Love British Food website.
Firstly, it’s obvious really, but your food doesn’t have as far to travel from farm to fork, and with climate change on everyone’s minds, keeping those air miles (and reducing associated CO2 emissions) to a minimum is even more important than ever.
British meat is produced to some of the highest animal welfare standards in the WORLD. No growth-promoting hormones are permitted and if animals need antibiotics they must be administered only under veterinary direction.
British heritage breeds are prized around the globe. Buying British helps to protect the genetics of native breeds for generations to come. Britain’s cattle passport system means that each animal can be uniquely traced to its dam (mother) and place of birth.
British chicken is reared to some of the highest standards in the world.
Every pound spent on British produce helps to support the economy from the ground up, starting with the farmer, to those who work in food processing, independent butchers, pubs and restaurants.
Much of Britain’s food is produced sustainably and we are proud to be part of that network. We make conscious choices to protect the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside and support our local farmers.
Britain has some of the most robust food assurance and traceability systems in the world.
How you can get involved with British Food Fortnight
Buy British! We aim to make it easy for our customers to do just that. Visit our online butcher store or come see us at our shop.
We offer a free next-day delivery service via DPD, one of the ‘greenest’ courier services in the UK, on orders placed before 2pm, Monday – Thursday, when you spend more than £50.
Our expert butchers can help you choose the right cuts for your needs and our superior butchery skills mean we can offer traditional and specialised cuts – we even offer an online ‘chat with us’ service if you’re using our website.
So, make a note in your diary to take part in British Food Fortnight 2022 and plan to buy, cook and enjoy Blighty’s bounty this autumn harvest.
