NEWS

From farm field to plate in a day
By Steven Moore

An initiative to put more local produce onto diners' plates was launched this week with the backing of DARD and the Ulster Farmers' Union.
The Botanic Inns group of bars and restaurants is the first to sign up to the Back To Our Roots campaign and is undertaking to serve up the freshest and most seasonal of Ulster fruit and vegetables to its customers.
The North Down Group, which supplies the link between farmer and retailer, is also involved in the project which aims to encourage the hospitality industry to use the wealth of top quality farm fresh produce on their doorsteps.
The initative was launched on Tuesday when chefs from Botanic Inns outlets visited three farm businesses to see for themselves just what is available.
UFU Vice President Harry Sinclair said the farms visited had illustrated the family involvement and demonstrated their pride in what they do.
Ivan McKee, of Comber Potatoes, one of the farmers to show the chefs round, said the Back To Our Roots campaign would work both ways, showing the industry what food outlets wanted while making the hospitality sector more aware of what was available.
Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew said she was delighted to support the initiative while Botanic Inns Quality Standards Manager Gordon Harvey urged other companies to follow its example.

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October 9th 2009
October 2nd 2009