A KENTISH Brussels sprout is not just for Christmas - it's for life.

This is the message Produced in Kent is sending out to consumers in the light of the recent supermarket price fixing scandal.

It was announced on Friday that three major supermarkets will be fined a total of £116million and two more are being investigated for increasing the price of milk and cheese in 2002 and 2003.

The rises were reportedly to help British farmers under financial pressure, but an inquiry by the Office of Fair Trading found that even after prices rose the money received by farmers did not increase.

Produced in Kent, which promotes the use of Kent produce nationally, said the findings of the inquiry were a sign that local farmers still desperately need public support and urged shoppers not to forget their local farmers' market or shop this season.

Spokeswoman Jill Sergeant said: "What we see in the news about price fixing for dairy and bread just proves what we have been saying about what local farmers are dealing with, but the damage has already been done.

"Five years later, many of the farmer are no longer in business."

The threat of bird flu, bad weather and bans of livestock movement due to the threat of foot and mouth and blue tongue have made it a tough year for many different producers in the county.

Now Produced in Kent is asking the county to think local in everything they do this season - from cooking a locally-sourced Christmas dinner to giving hampers of Kentish wines and produce as presents.

"Buying local is not about making huge profits for local farmers," Ms Sergeant added. "It is about giving them a sustainable future.

"Our drive is really to get people supporting local produce beyond Christmas Day and into the New Year when it really needs all the help it can get.

"Kent produce isn't just for Christmas - it's for life!"