Leading food, wood and craft producers from around Dorset will be highlighting their 'green' credentials next week at the launch of a major new campaign for consumers.
Farmers, producers and retailers will gather at Washingpool Farm near Bridport on Monday (24 September) to celebrate the introduction of new eco-friendly standards for local goods.
These guarantee consumers that the products are not only high quality, but also that buying them supports the local economy and helps maintain Dorset's outstanding country skills and environment.
The event also marks the start of Year of Food and Farming, a national initiative which aims to promote healthy living by offering young people direct experience of the countryside, farming and food.
The 'Direct from Dorset' initiative was launched by the County Council in 2002 to support Dorset businesses and encourage people to buy local. It provides a recognised brand for items produced by county farms, breweries, vineyards and other producers - covering everything from pork to poultry, wines to ice cream, and firewood to furniture.
Gradually, the scheme has expanded to take on board businesses which sell these products - such as cafes, restaurants, pubs, hotels, guesthouses and visitor attractions - and now boasts almost 100 members.
All goods carrying the 'Direct from Dorset' brand are checked by Dorset Trading Standards to ensure their local pedigree. And now, with help from the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership, they are also assessed against criteria to prove they benefit the local environment.
Sarah Bentley, from the Dorset AONB Partnership said:
"There is growing public interest in where food and other products come from and how they are produced. Direct from Dorset members work hard to produce high quality products and to care for Dorset's countryside and environment. The new environmental criteria reflect and highlight this important work, and ensure that any product carrying the Direct from Dorset label is environmentally sound."
Direct from Dorset member Simon Holland, from Washingpool Farm, added:
"We've been involved in the scheme from the outset and it means a lot to us to be able to label our products as 'Direct from Dorset'. The new environmental standards give our customers confidence that by choosing these products, they're directly supporting a living and thriving Dorset landscape."
Hilary Cox, Dorset County Council cabinet member for environment, said:
"I hope local residents will get behind this scheme and seek out more Direct from Dorset products. There is an astonishing range of goods available, all excellent quality, and buying them will also benefit both our environment and our economy."
Monday's event will also see the businesses throw their support behind the national Year of Food and Farming project, which kicks off this month. It aims to give young people in England hands-on learning experiences based around farm visits, growing produce and cooking or preparing food. HRH The Prince of Wales is patron for the year, which is backed by the Government and support by a host of organisations including the National Farmers Union and the Food and Drink Federation.