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WHAT IS

FARM TO FORK PHILOSOPHY?

This past autumn, our team strolled around downtown on a chilly but sunny afternoon. As we passed by quaint local restaurants and cafes, we discussed our favourite local food spots such as Haven’s Creamery and The Root Cellar. We noticed a common theme among these establishments: they all source ingredients locally and support other food vendors or suppliers in the community. Without knowing it then, we were observing the Farm-to-Fork movement taking place in London. 

 

Farm-to-Fork can be defined as a social movement where restaurants and other food vendors source ingredients from local farms while traditional food establishments may obtain produce from around the world. At its heart, the concept is simple: there is value in eating locally. Not only does this movement promote better food quality as produce is picked at peak freshness, but it also creates a network of support for local vendors, making it more sustainable for the local economy. 

 

We believe this Farm-to-Fork phenomenon is unique and ambitious in juxtaposition to the modern global food industry driven by industrial agriculture and international restaurant chains. The modern food industry inherently threatens the existence of smaller, local food suppliers and vendors. For example, large scale restaurant chains and farms are able to mass produce food products and experiences at lower costs and are financed by a diverse and global portfolio of institutions and investors. They have the financial capital and renowned brand to expand into various cities and attract customers that may already know them. These are privileges not enjoyed by smaller local vendors who rely on a loyal local customer base for income and potential additional funding or support from government grants or the surrounding community. Furthermore, local restaurants may not be able to enjoy lower costs because sourcing from local suppliers who cannot produce at economies of scale means higher supply or produce costs. Ultimately, local small food businesses may experience a shrinking customer base and pressure to lower costs as industrial agriculture and large restaurant chains continue to establish themselves in London’s food scene.

 

However, there is a role for everyone to support the Farm-to-Fork movement. We list some great benefits here:

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BEING A LOCAVORE

A locavore is someone who makes a conscious effort to eat food produced locally. A common metric for “local” is within 150km radius of your home. Harvested right before sale, these local foods taste extra fresh as they do not need harsh chemicals to extend their life and preserve freshness for lengthy transport. Furthermore, dining out as a Locavore means more food options year-round as restaurants feature dishes that incorporate seasonal ingredients!

GAINING MAXIMUM NUTRITION

Produce from far away are often picked unripe to accommodate for long transport and shelf life. Did you know that some produce, like tomatoes, get treated with ethylene gas which activates artificial ripening. On the contrary, eating fresher seasonal produce retains higher levels of nutrients often lost during shelf life.

ESTABLISH A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT

Supporting local produce reduces the need to purchase ingredients that requires long-distance shipping. This means less time on planes, trains, and trucks which reduces greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. Shopping local ultimately reduces your carbon footprint as well as local restaurants’. 

SUPPORT THE LOCAL ECONOMY

Money spent on local ingredients goes directly to boosting the local economy and supporting the farmers within it. More specifically, buying directly means cutting out the wholesaler and your money goes to support the farmer 100%. Strengthening the local economy also creates a sustainable future. Our world is increasingly reliant on each other through complex supply chains. As COVID-19 has revealed, a catastrophic event in one place and can affect communities around the world. Supporting our local economy reduces reliance on outside sources, making us more resilient to the world’ volatility. 

Overall, we hope this resource helps you explore how Farm-to-Fork philosophy is practiced in London and what benefits are brought about because of it!

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