Perthshire shows the way for locally sourced food

Today will see the launch of a new initiative aimed at promoting the quality, taste and value of locally produced foods when one of the country's leading agricultural shows delivers on a commitment to supply only home-grown food to hungry showgoers.

Tony Singh will be among the celebrity chefs appearing at the Perth Show. Picture: Alan Richardson

Covering everything from top-notch tastings from celebrity chefs including Tony Singh and Rosemary Shrager to the ubiquitous burger van, exhibitors, caterers and suppliers at the Perth Show have signed up to a food charter to supply only local and Scottish sourced foodstuffs.

Drawn up by the show’s committee – and backed by the town’s chamber of commerce – the undertaking is believed to be the first of its kind in the country and aims to showcase local producers and local produce throughout the shows two day run, which starts today.

Show secretary Neil Forbes said that all exhibitors had been keen to sign up to the charter, adding: “All catering units will clearly display where their products have been sourced in order to inform visitors on the origins of the food they are eating – and of the stories behind it.

“By working together and adhering to this food charter we hope the show can help improve the economic and social environment of local and Scottish producers and help educate our visitors on the fantastic region of Scotland.”

Vicki Unite, chief executive of the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce, said that initiative would help people make the link between the food on their plate and the farming which went on in the local area and across Scotland as a whole.

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