The necessary closure of much of the UKs food and hospitality industry has left large quantities of fresh produce at risk of going to waste. Vegetables that would usually be bought by pubs and restaurants remain unsold, while ongoing travel restrictions have meant there is an excess of seasonal produce that needs picking.
The UK fishing industry, which usually exports much of its catch overseas, has also been dramatically affected. But, despite these obstacles, there are still key ways we can come together to help support the local food industry right now
Theres plenty of vegetables that are being harvested in the UK right now from aubergine and broad beans to beetroot, spinach and summer squash that could go to waste without the right demand.
Seasonal veg such asparagus, cucumbers, courgette and tomatoes are ready now (Alamy)
Scott Watson (pictured above), a radish grower at Gs Growers in Feltwell, Norfolk is encouraging the public to eat more of this healthy vegetable.
"With the challenges of lockdown, it is more important than ever that we try to eat a healthy balanced diet and ensure we are at least trying to get our five portions of fruit and veg per day. Snacking on radishes is a healthy choice as they are a source of Vitamin C, and if you eat a third of a standard 240g pack it counts as one of your five a day," Watson says.
The majority of our sales go through major UK supermarkets, where you can typically buy our radishes in 240g bags at circa 55p a bag. This works out at 18p per portion great value. We also supply radishes to the box schemes for inclusion in stir-fry recipes and expect to see more of our radishes on fruit and veg markets as they reopen.
If youre needing a little inspiration, youll find lots of delicious ideas from the likes of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Amanda Grant at vegpower.org.uk plus, why not share your favourite recipes using #SeasonalVeg on social media
Robyn Philip has swapped London for Essex to workon New Moor Farm
The Pick For Britain initiative which encourages fit and healthy people looking for job opportunities to work on fruit and veg farms across the the country has been launched by the Government to help keep the industry moving.
Whether youre a furloughed employee whose contract allows you to take on additional work, or a student on summer holidays, there are plenty of vacancies nationwide from forklift and tractor drivers and plant husbandry, to pickers and packers.
Robyn Philip, a stylist from London, has been living and working on New Moor Farm in Southminster, Essex. Right now, I live on site on the farm, in one of the caravans in the orchard its nice, she says. The community is amazing. There are many different characters on the farm. Everyone is really friendly and were all here for the same reasons to help and to work.
Madeline Owen lives locally and works atNew Moor Farm
Madeline Owen, an A Level student, lives locally, so is able to get her mum to drop her off at New Moor Farm at six each morning.
Definitely do it; 100% definitely do it, urges Owen. Its a great way to get out. Ive met so many people that have all got stories and different things to tell me that Ive learnt from, and its definitely worth it. Its good fun.
The growing season is only just getting started, so from now until September, bringing in the harvest will require an extraordinary effort. If youd like to help out, visit pickforbritain.org.uk to find out more
Due to different international tastes, much of the Fish caught in UK waters is exported to Europe, but the pandemic has all but stopped this trade. Also, higher-end produce is no longer being bought by restaurants because of necessary closures.
Getty images
One way to help the UKs vital fishing industry an integral part of our economy is to try new things. There is a host of different fish and seafood from UK waters that much of the country dont often cook. Some fisherman now offer home deliveries, while great produce can be found at retailers and fishmongers across the country.
Supporting a local supplier is a good place to start, find one near you at fishisthedish.co.uk. And, if youre looking to brush up your fish know-how, youll discover how to buy, store and cook seafood, together with plenty of tasty recipes from spiced coconut mussels to crab and trout risotto
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"With the challenges of lockdown, it is more important than ever that we try to eat a healthy balanced diet" - Evening Standard
