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by Lauren Fruen

A report has revealed local food in Faversham supports more
than 400 jobs and £9m of trade in the town.

The study, carried out by the Campaign to Protect Rural England
(CPRE), has built the report based on the impact of local food on
jobs, community and the countryside in Faversham.

New mayor and farmer David Simmons is thrilled with the
news.

He said: “This really is great news for Faversham. The idea of
supporting local food fits in well with the food trail and with
tourism in the town.

“There are a good number of people coming to Faversham for the
market or Macknades and a lot of local restaurants are now using
local produce.”

The report shows that public demand for locally sourced
food comes from nearly 40 shops.

The CPRE estimates that shops in the area support more 160 jobs
and a further 250 jobs come from local suppliers.

They also believe that food contributes to the character and
identity of Faversham.

Thea Platt, local food campaigner for CPRE, says: “This report
shows that in Faversham local food is about much more than reducing
food miles.

“The food web supports around 410 local jobs in farming, food
production and at outlets and contributes to a turnover of £9
million in the economy of the local food supply area.

“Local food businesses also add to community life, help local
good causes and support diversity in farming and the local
countryside.”

Hugh Robertson, MP for Faversham, said: “As an ancient market
town sitting amongst many of Kent’s best fruit farms, Faversham has
a proud tradition of producing and serving high quality local
produce.

“Over my decade as the town’s MP, there has been a huge increase
in interest in local food. I am absolutely delighted and want to
see it grow further.”