Ask yourself, do you know where your food comes from? Do you Back British Farmers?
Weirdly, considering the title of this blog, I am going to take you to the South of France. The sun, the rugged coastline, the accent. Amazing as they all are, for me, it was the food that left the biggest and long-lasting impression. And not just the food, but the relationship with the fresh food and local produce that was nothing short of inspiring. It really made me reflect on the British relationship with food, and how much it has changed, and how dangerous this change could be for our farmers.
Through the MDS program, I have been immersed into the world of agriculture. I have learnt a lot, but I still have a lot more to learn. I don’t have the knowledge yet to enter this conversation through the eyes of a farmer, but what I can do is comment on the shifting tides of support for British farmers, the produce they make, and the way in which our culinary landscape is changing.
The Lack of Cooking as a Skill For me, one of the biggest threat to British farmers is lack of the fundamental skills of cooking. I have been absolutely blessed by the fact that I grew up in a house where the kitchen was, and is, the heart of the home. It’s the place where we talk, laugh, sing, and dance. It’s also the place where my sister and I were taught where our food comes from, how to show love through cooking, and that every meal should start by chopping an onion. With this foundation, cooking has become an absolute passion. However, I am very aware that this does not represent the experience felt by so much of the population.
The sad thing is, that cooking is a dying art form. Our need for convenience has plagued our world. Its not just food, everything we do now has instant gratification in mind. Look at the way we consume news, gone are the days where we read newspapers, in depth articles have been replaced with headlines and summaries. Music, once we listened to intros and complex masterpieces. Now, a song won’t make it to radio if you cant fit it into a TikTok and accommodate our small attention spans. The fact that I can order food, that will be delivered to my door, by tapping 5 buttons blows my mind and it represents how society has shifted away from the connection with food we once had. By turning to these ‘convenience’ apps, we will become out of touch with our food, and therefore, we will fall out of love for the farmers that are the backbone of the food we eat.
Backing British Farmers In the not-so-distant past, the phrase "Buy British" was more than just a slogan; it was a way of life. Post-war Britain witnessed a robust movement, with consumers actively seeking out local produce and supporting British farmers. The pride of putting homegrown ingredients on the table was tangible, and supermarkets prominently displayed the provenance of their products. There was also a further surge of support throughout the most resent Covid pandemic, with a delay in imports and massive supply chain disruption. We were told to support our local businesses, and we did. As isolated as we were, it brought a bit of community spirit back into our homes. But since then, I fear we have slipped back into our old ways.
Reconnecting with Our Culinary Roots
In recent years, however, a counter-movement has gained momentum. There is some hope. A resurgence of interest in sustainable, locally sourced produce and a renewed appreciation for the skill of cooking has taken root. The "foodie" culture has inspired a generation to explore the origins of their meals, supporting farmers' markets, and embracing a return to wholesome, homemade dishes. This reconnection with our culinary roots is not just a trend; it's a testament to our collective desire to forge stronger ties with the food on our plates.
As we reflect on the past 50 years of British culinary history, it becomes clear that our relationship with fresh food has undergone a profound transformation. From wholeheartedly supporting British farmers to the decline of cooking as a skill and the rise of fast-food culture, our journey has been a rollercoaster of changing tastes and priorities. Yet, the current trend towards reconnecting with our culinary roots suggests a promising shift – one that holds the potential to nourish both our bodies and our sense of identity. So, let's savor the flavors of the past while sowing the seeds of a more mindful and connected future in our kitchens. I urge everyone reading, take some time and join me in the art of cooking and feel love and connection.
I know that I can do better, of course, we can all take better steps to driving change in our own consumer behavior. But, I really want to open this conversation, to hear your reality. I'm sure together we can find inspiration and learnings to reflect upon.
Ask yourself, do you know where your food comes from? Do you Back British Farmers?
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