Regional Icons

Whilst the chefs and cooks of the kitchen provide the public facing heroes of food we should not forget those earlier in the local food field to fork chain.

As every chef will say: They need the finest ingredients to produce the finest dish and our search for the iconic grower or farmer is of equal importance in the Foodlink programme.

Without the effort, care, skill and attention to detail of the grower or farmer the chefs and cooks would be working with inferior ingredients rather than the best of the best.

Our search is for the icons of growing and rearing who provide through their work the intrinsic flavours which the cooks and chefs then mould and enhance to create the best regional menus. These are also regional icons to applaud and commend.

As we visit the agricultural shows and auction marts of the region we will be on the alert for the farmers who demonstrate again and again their ability to produce the finest animals for meat and diary products.

As we visit the farmers markets, produce markets and horticultural shows we will be on the alert for the growers who demonstrate the highest standards of their craft through the superb qualities of their produce.

And as we do identify these icons of growing and rearing we will promote their achievements widely so they are applauded by the local food customer near and far.