Local growers, food producers, processors, retailers and caterers using local foods are encouraged to sign up for a listing or advertisement in the up-coming 2006 Thames Valley Food Guide.

The BBO Food Groups federation, based at Oxford Brookes University, is launching the production of the sixth directory in response to the enormous demand the current one generated. 

In 2006 the directory will include over 150 listings of local food and drink producers, and outlets stocking local products. The directory will also contain profiles of producers, upcoming events, tips for healthy eating and details of Farmers’ Markets across the Thames Valley area and Milton Keynes.

 “By working across three counties we offer consumers a wider choice of local products, and help chefs to access more of the wonderful food from the region,” says Tamara Schiopu, co-ordinator of BBO Food Groups.

 “ Local foods in the Thames Valley means freshness, quality, traceability and in many cases reduced food miles, if there are efficient distribution channels.”

The 2006 food directory will be free and distributed to 50,000 people in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes and Oxfordshire via libraries, Farmers’ Markets, tourism outlets and local shops. 

BBO Food Groups, sponsored by SEEDA, Oxford Brookes University and by local authorities in the three counties, will co-ordinate the design, printing and distribution of the food directory.

To apply for a listing or advertisement, contact Tamara Schiopu (01865 484116, localfood@brookes.ac.uk) or download the application form from our website www.local-food.net. More information about local food and the work of the BBO Food Groups is available at www.local-food.net.

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