Sales of locally sourced fruit and vegetables seem to be holding up well in the current climate, despite the sometimes false assumption among consumers that they are more expensive than their imported equivalents.

This week, some of the major retailers have declared their interest in schemes and marketing campaigns that support the local food cause. As the evenings get longer and the sun starts to put in a bit more of an appearance, it is inevitable that the supermarkets will start eyeing up the first crops of the British summer season. Now we just have to cross our fingers and hope that this patch of reasonably decent weather continues for the next few months.

Along with Fairtrade, local produce is a concept that seems to be holding its own in the battle for ethical food sales, as consumers seem keen to show their support for British farming. This week, the Soil Association has formally admitted that organic food is faring less well in the financial downturn, but the body is resilient and believes that when the economy starts to recover, those consumers who are less committed to organic food and may have abandoned it in the past few months will return. I am less sure that once consumers have made the switch to conventional they will return to organic, but only time will tell if the Soil Association’s confidence is justified.

On behalf of everyone at FPJ, I would like to wish all of our readers a happy Easter.