Havering Friends of the Earth

Bring back local produce

by John Robinson; first published 9-Dec-2022

Upminster Farmers' Market, 2006 - John Robinson

Farming has a vital role to play in any locality, in providing fresh, seasonal produce that hasn't travelled hundreds - or even thousands - of miles to reach our homes. But I worry that, with a growing demand for land, we don't appreciate its true worth, or that of those who farm in the traditional way. There's talk now of research into "vertical farming", but I for one don't want to eat food grown indoors under artificial light!

Part of the problem is that so little local produce is readily available to us. We do have one or two Farm Shops in Upminster - I visited one recently and was pleased to see a wide range of goods, and a steady stream of customers. But, as I choose not to drive, I risked life and limb walking to it along a busy road with no footway. Yes they will deliver locally, but I prefer to see and choose the food I buy, and can only do so if the outlet is within safe walking distance (or served by public transport).

And isn't it a shame our town centre no longer has a greengrocer's shop? Surely the local authority could and should do something to restore diversity in our high streets. There's a limit to the number of coffee bars and beauty salons a town needs, and I think we reached that limit a long time ago.

In 2006, we were fortunate to get a Farmers' Market in Upminster (pictured here in August of that year). For a while, it brought a real sense of vitality to the high street. But gradually the number of stalls diminished (partly because, so I was told, the pitch rents made it uneconomic). I also have fond memories of the popular pick-your-own fruit farm in Hall Lane. Visits there had a social aspect, as whole families went picking and met others. To the best of my knowledge there are no longer any such facilities nearby, or if there are then they're a well-kept secret!

Perhaps it's time to take a fresh look at how local produce can be made available to us?