With the start of British Food Fortnight tomorrow, it seems fitting that we launch The Journal’s fifth big Taste event, a festival which celebrates the very best of local fare. Katharine Capocci offers a Taste of things to come.

GASTRONOMIC treats galore await visitors to The Journal’s latest food and drink festival.

The Taste extravaganza will be held at the Metrocentre, Gateshead on Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1.

Some 60 artisan food and drink producers and suppliers from across the region will gather at the Metrocentre Qube for what promises to be a truly gastronomic affair.

Added to the mix will be cookery demonstrations from some of the region’s finest restaurant chefs in a state-of-the-art mobile kitchen.

It’s The Journal’s fifth food and drink festival since launching its ‘buy, use, eat local’ campaign to encourage consumers, retailers, hoteliers and restaurateurs to favour the plethora of quality foodstuffs grown, reared, sown and made between the Rivers Tweed and Tees.

The event, which is a celebration of local produce, is predicted to attract tens of thousands of visitors.

Karen Carr, marketing manager at the Metrocentre, Gateshead, said: “Metrocentre wants shoppers to experience more that just a shopping centre trip when they visit and therefore organises a variety of events that appeal to a cross-section of our customers. The opportunity to promote local produce at events such as these has always been exceptionally popular.

“We want to keep as much inward investment in the region as possible and this is one of the key methods of educating our shoppers on how they can support local producers, which of course has a long-term effect on improving the economy in the region.

“The timing of the Taste event is also the start of the season to be merry!

Not only is it Hallowe’en weekend, but it’s the start of Christmas shopping, and the centre’s decorations will be on display.

“We know this will be a huge attraction offering lots of gift ideas for Christmas, and it’s a chance to see the region’s award-winning chefs in action.

“It’s the first time the Taste event has been held in a shopping centre – and we’re confident our shoppers will find it enjoyable.”

Some of the dozens of stallholders signed up so far include chilli growers Trees Can’t Dance of Coanwood; Sunny Hill Eggs of Belford; Kielder Organic Meats of Dunterley Farm; Traidcraft; Ridleys Fish and Game of Hexham and Northumberland Cheese Company of Blagdon.

Those signed up already for stints in the mobile kitchen include The Journal’s very own foodie columnist Bill Oldfield, owner of Oldfields restaurants in Newcastle and Durham.

Also appearing is food writer Maunika Gowardhan of Starters and Spice, who will be sharing her passion for contemporary Indian cuisine. And comic cookery duo, Two Ladies of a Certain Age, will be bringing their inimitable style to the demo kitchen.

The Journal editor Brian Aitken said: “Once again, it is fantastic that so many producers and chefs have come on board to help spread The Journal’s buy, use, eat local message. Now we hope the public will turn out in force at the Metrocentre to show their support for local food and drink producers.”

THE EVENT

Taste at the Metrocentre will take place Saturday, October 31, from 9am-7pm, and Sunday, November 1, 11am-5pm. Cookery demonstration slots will be between 11am and 4.30pm Saturday and 12-4pm Sunday.

For more information or to book a stand please contact Joanne Fenwick on (0191) 201-6065 or email joanne.fenwick@ncjmedia.co.uk

We only work with local artisan producers and suppliers and those who can prove they support the campaign’s ‘buy, use, eat local’ message. Only suppliers, producers and other food-related businesses and individuals who share the same goals as The Journal’s Taste North East England campaign will be allowed to participate in this event.

THE TASTE STORY

The inaugural one-day Taste Food Festival took place at the National Trust’s Gibside estate on April 26, 2008, and was a huge success with 60 independent food, beer and wine producers lining up alongside local celebrity chefs doing cookery demonstrations, including Hairy Biker Simon King.

The Journal built on the success of this for its Linden Hall Taste 2 event on August 30, 2008, attended by 100 food and drink exhibitors – making it the largest festival of its kind ever held in the North East.

More than 12,000 people came to buy and sample the food and drink, witness former Newcastle United favourite David Ginola officially launch his new wine label in the UK, watch chef demonstrations and meet Hairy Bikers, Si King and Dave Myers.

Taste on the Tyne was another well- attended and successful one-day event on September 28, 2008, which saw The Journal bringing its ‘buy, use, eat, local’ message to the area around the historic Guildhall on Newcastle’s Quayside.

This year we worked with the County Show in Corbridge and saw tens of thousands of people come through the doors. The Journal’s Taste of the County featured more than 50 of the region’s artisan producers at the showground at Tynedale Rugby Club, Corbridge, in May.

The Journal’s seven-page Taste supplement on Fridays focuses on the ‘buy, use, eat local’ message. It supports the region’s many food and drink producers and suppliers, farmers, restaurants, catering companies, chefs and venues involved in supporting and promoting local produce.

The Taste events are the most visible sign of The Journal’s support for the huge range of quality food and drink businesses operating in the North.

The events reflect the growing appetite there is across all sectors in the North East for seasonal, quality, local produce.

TV FARMING champion Jimmy Doherty’s efforts to boost agriculture have been recognised with an award from the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE).

His TV series, Jimmy Doherty’s Farming Heroes, has earned him the RASE Outstanding Communicator award for championing forward-thinking and innovative farming and promoting the very best of the industry.

The programme, which last year featured Bellingham-based Kielder Organic Meats, was praised for providing an unbiased, informative and inspirational view of agriculture and UK food production for both the farming community and the general public.

The committee’s citation said: “Jimmy has looked at whether farmers can deliver food we can trust at a price we can afford, and how they are responding to the challenges of the twenty-first century. From high-tech agribusiness, to organics, to remote family farms, he has successfully highlighted new and original ways to keep Britain at the forefront of agricultural innovation.”

The award is presented annually to those who have made a significant contribution towards the advancement of public understanding and awareness of rural land use and agricultural practice. Mr Doherty will receive it on July 7, 2009.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE MAKING OF THE JIMMY DOHERTY's FARMING HEROES TV PROGRAMME AT KIELDER ORGANIC MEATS>

WASHINGTON — Michelle Obama will begin digging up a patch of the South Lawn on Friday to plant a vegetable garden, the first at the White House since Eleanor Roosevelt’s victory garden in World War II. There will be no beets — the president does not like them — but arugula will make the cut.

While the organic garden will provide food for the first family’s meals and formal dinners, its most important role, Mrs. Obama said, will be to educate children about healthful, locally grown fruit and vegetables at a time when obesity and diabetes have become a national concern.

“My hope,” the first lady said in an interview in her East Wing office, “is that through children, they will begin to educate their families and that will, in turn, begin to educate our communities.”

Twenty-three fifth graders from Bancroft Elementary School in Washington will help her dig up the soil for the 1,100-square-foot plot, in a spot visible to passers-by on E Street. (It is just below the Obama girls’ swing set.)

Students from the school, which has had a garden since 2001, will also help plant, harvest and cook the vegetables, berries and herbs. Virtually the entire Obama family, including the president, will pull weeds, “whether they like it or not,” Mrs. Obama said with a laugh. “Now Grandma, my mom, I don’t know.” Her mother, she said, will probably sit back and say: “Isn’t that lovely. You missed a spot.”

Whether there would be a White House garden had become more than a matter of landscaping. The question had taken on political and environmental symbolism, with the Obamas lobbied for months by advocates who believe that growing more food locally, and organically, can lead to more healthful eating and reduce reliance on huge industrial farms that use more oil for transportation and chemicals for fertilizer.

Then, too, promoting healthful eating has become an important part of Mrs. Obama’s own agenda.

The first lady, who said that she had never had a vegetable garden, recalled that the idea for this one came from her experiences as a working mother trying to feed her daughters, Malia and Sasha, a good diet. Eating out three times a week, ordering a pizza, having a sandwich for dinner all took their toll in added weight on the girls, whose pediatrician told Mrs. Obama that she needed to be thinking about nutrition.

“He raised a flag for us,” she said, and within months the girls had lost weight.

Dan Barber, an owner of Blue Hill at Stone Barns, an organic restaurant in Pocantico Hills, N.Y., that grows many of its own ingredients, said: “The power of Michelle Obama and the garden can create a very powerful message about eating healthy and more delicious food. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say it could translate into real change.”

While the Clintons grew some vegetables in pots on the White House roof, the Obamas’ garden will far transcend that, with 55 varieties of vegetables — from a wish list of the kitchen staff — grown from organic seedlings started at the Executive Mansion’s greenhouses.

The Obamas will feed their love of Mexican food with cilantro, tomatillos and hot peppers. Lettuces will include red romaine, green oak leaf, butterhead, red leaf and galactic. There will be spinach, chard, collards and black kale. For desserts, there will be a patch of berries. And herbs will include some more unusual varieties, like anise hyssop and Thai basil. A White House carpenter, Charlie Brandts, who is a beekeeper, will tend two hives for honey.

The total cost of seeds, mulch and so forth is $200, said Sam Kass, an assistant White House chef, who prepared healthful meals for the Obama family in Chicago and is an advocate of local food. Mr. Kass will oversee the garden.

The plots will be in raised beds fertilized with White House compost, crab meal from the Chesapeake Bay, lime and green sand. Ladybugs and praying mantises will help control harmful bugs.

Cristeta Comerford, the White House’s executive chef, said she was eager to plan menus around the garden, and Bill Yosses, the pastry chef, said he was looking forward to berry season.

The White House grounds crew and the kitchen staff will do most of the work, but other White House staff members have volunteered.

So have the fifth graders from Bancroft. “There’s nothing really cooler,” Mrs. Obama said, “than coming to the White House and harvesting some of the vegetables and being in the kitchen with Cris and Sam and Bill, and cutting and cooking and actually experiencing the joys of your work.”

For children, she said, food is all about taste, and fresh and local food tastes better.

“A real delicious heirloom tomato is one of the sweetest things that you’ll ever eat,” she said. “And my children know the difference, and that’s how I’ve been able to get them to try different things.

“I wanted to be able to bring what I learned to a broader base of people. And what better way to do it than to plant a vegetable garden in the South Lawn of the White House?”

For urban dwellers who have no backyards, the country’s one million community gardens can also play an important role, Mrs. Obama said.

But the first lady emphasized that she did not want people to feel guilty if they did not have the time for a garden: there are still many changes they can make.

“You can begin in your own cupboard,” she said, “by eliminating processed food, trying to cook a meal a little more often, trying to incorporate more fruits and vegetables.”

First Anniversary of supporting local food

From The Journal by Jane Hall
Published January 30th 2009.

Jane Hall looks at how The Journal’s Taste North East England campaign has put local food at the top of the news agenda 12 months after its launch – and why it has never been more important to support the region’s artisan producers.

MEASURING the success of a campaign that doesn’t rely on donations, petitions, public demonstrations or government manipulation to drive it forward can be a hard task.

But if the 34,000 people who flocked to three one-day food and drink festivals last year championing the region’s artisan producers are anything to go by, then The Journal’s Taste North East England initiative can claim to be a sweet success 12 months down the line.

They join the hundreds who have added their name to a Taste charter to put local food at the top of their menu.

It was on January 31, 2008, that The Journal first urged consumers, retailers, hoteliers and restaurateurs to buy, use and eat local for the sake of the region’s economy and our health. Since then The Journal has continued to spread the local food message online and in print in our weekly Taste North East England supplement.

But it has been our three Taste food events that have captured the public’s imagination – and proved the North East has a healthy appetite for homegrown produce.

Many of the 62 stallholders at the first Taste festival, held last April at the National Trust’s Gibside estate near Rowlands Gill, had sold out by midday as 10,000 food fanatics flocked to the historic venue to indulge in the region’s finest fresh produce and meet the North’s favourite hirsute TV chef, Simon King.

About 4,000 visitors had been expected, but the phenomenal turnout was the first evidence that the Taste campaign had galvanised public support for the North East’s quality food and drink producers.

It was no wonder stallholders asked when they could do it all again.

Michelle Anderson, of Kielder Organic Meats, Bellingham, said: “I expected the festival to be busy, but I never expected the response I got. I had sold out in two hours. It was crazy. I had brought 10 trays of meat, which is a lot, but it just flew off the stall. It was the shortest time I’ve ever sold that much.”

She described the response she has had since as fantastic, with new customers and positive feedback.

“People came with money to spend, and they weren’t shy in spending it. I was doing tastings of our sausages and I had to stop cooking because there were so many people clamouring to buy. I remember looking up at one point and there were so many people I couldn’t see across their heads.”

Only one punter complained she had been enticed along under false pretences, having expected to meet wildlife photographer Simon King rather than one half of TV’s unlikeliest cookery duo, the Hairy Bikers!

But no apology was needed as she headed home with bags crammed with everything from bread to homemade sausages and chutney.

The momentum continued into August as Linden Hall, near Morpeth in Northumberland, played host to The Journal Taste 2 food and drink festival – the biggest event of its kind ever held in the North East.

More than 16,000 people gathered on a sultry late summer Saturday, lured by the promise of more than 100 stalls piled high with the freshest local produce, a wine and beer marquee, cookery demonstrations, live music, Hairy Bikers Simon King and Dave Myers and star guest, former Newcastle United favourite David Ginola, officially launching his Coste Brulade wines in the UK.

Stallholders again sold out as the public began queuing from 8.30am for the 10am start.

People choosing environmentally sustainable farming

From The Wood Mouse's Diary Blog
Published January 22nd 2009.

Vallum Farm

From The Journal by Mieka Smileson
Published January 2nd 2009.

Vicky and Peter Moffitt run Vallum Farm Shop and Cafe, near Stamfordham, Northumberland.

About 50% of the stock is from producers who trade at the Hexham Farmers’ Market.

The pair use as many products from Northumberland as possible: vegetables when they are available, local jams, chutneys, oats and flour from Heatherslaw, Chainbridge Honey, salmon and bacon from the Bywell Smokery, cheese from the Northumberland Cheese Company, sausages from Ian Byatt of Stannington and Doddington ice cream.

Why not try some of their famous pork and chestnut stuffing? Or sample the Vallum yoghurt which comes in four flavours?

Vallum Farm also has a cafe.

In the tea room, everything is home made by the team of cooks. The scones are legendary and the counter is filled to bursting with cakes, tray bakes, quiches and pies, baked with many local and organic ingredients.

Why not try the popular Sunday lunch with Kielder organic beef and lamb or Moorhouse pork? It’s wise to book if you don’t want to miss out on the delicious home made Yorkshire puddings.

You could also familiarise yourselves with the several businesses which have sprung up in the farm units: Bywell Fish & Game Smokery, J Turner Upholstery, K9 Hydrotherapy and Wildflower floristry services.

Vallum Farm is at Eastwallhouses, Military Road, Newcastle, NE18 OLL. For information visit www.vallumfarm.com or call (01434) 672652.

Europe signals it is ready to ease BSE test rules

By DAVID COULTER david.coulter@hexham-courant.co.uk

Last updated 13:37, Thursday, 09 October 2008

FARMERS across the district have welcomed the European Commission’s agreement to lift the age at which cattle are tested for BSE.

The news that the commission has accepted that the BSE testing age for cattle entering the food chain should be raised from the current age of 30 months to 48 months.

Once approval is given by the European Food Standards Agency (EFSA), the new regulation could come into force by the turn of the year.

The Commission is planning to seek approval for the proposal at the European standing committee for animal health meeting later this month.

The change will also have to be agreed by the Food Standards Agency in the UK, which is set to meet to consider the proposal on Wednesday.

The change in the testing will mean that farmers will not charged the testing fee for cattle under the age of 48 months and should lead to a saving on kill charges.

At a local level, farmers are delighted at the decision.

The Highland Cattle Centre owners Richard and Marianne Halford own approximately 100 Highland cattle on their Stocksfield farm.

The cattle going into the food chain will be more fully grown and their market value is set to dramatically increase.

They are overjoyed with the proposed changes and expect each cow to make them between £300 and £400 extra.

Mr Halford said: “We are delighted because it is particularly relevant to people that have native breed cattle, like ourselves.

“At the moment, we are having to kill our animals at two and a half years but they take four years to be fully grown.

“Our t-bone steaks look like little lamb cutlets but, once the animals have grown, we will get bigger and better joints.”

Colin and Michelle Anderson, who own Kielder Organic Meats, have around 120 cattle on their Bellingham farm and are also delighted with the news.

They believe it will be a major boost for farmers across the country.

Mr Anderson said: “It is great news for us, as the older cattle usually take up to four years before they become fit.

“Raising the limit is really handy for traditional breeds that are slow growing.

“It is a real big saving as well, as we will be able to keep the cattle for longer. It is a major boost for our business.”

Small independent abattoirs are also set to benefit from the changes, as the number of farmers using the service is expected to increase.

Farmers currently have to travel to specialist abattoirs for stock over 30 months, but they will be able to use local abattoirs if the changes go ahead.

Beef boost: Colin and Michelle Anderson say the ruling will help farmers with traditional breeds.

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Bellingham Notes
From the Hexham Courant
Thursday, 11 September 2008

BELLINGHAM Show may have been a washout, but this weekend promises to fill the gap in the village’s social calendar.

There’s a double header of entertainment for all the family, both indoors and out.
Tomorrow sees the first day of the two-day leek show, when the veracity of all those rumours of burst leeks and others gone to seed will be put to the test.

And that is followed on Sunday by a family fun day in and around Hareshaw Linn.
The fun day comprises a craft and local produce market, with entertainment for all the family.

It has been organised by the Bellingham Trade and Tourism Association, and is all part of the North of the Tyne walking festival.

However, this is much more than a stroll over the six bridges to the waterfall, which will be at its most awe-inspiring following all the rain.

There will also be a farmers’ market in the Foundry Yard, not to mention crafts and produce stalls, a barbecue, story-telling, a beer tent, a themed picnic and much more.

One of the highlights will be the auctioning of produce from the leek show, which takes place at 4pm. The event proper is scheduled to run from 10am to 6pm.

Market traders told their noisy selling is giving office workers a headache. 
by Paul Sims
From The Daily Mail, Published on August 18 2008

For almost 800 years traders in the market town of Hexham have shouted their wares to shoppers bustling along the cobbled street..

But now they have been told to pipe down  -  because they are giving office workers a headache.

The edict was issued by the local authority, which says it received several complaints about noise in the Northumberland town.

Martin Foster, 29, who works on a fruit and veg stall, said: 'It's ridiculous. Hexham's supposed to be a market town.

'We pay nearly £1,000 rent to have a stall here, and if we can't attract customers, particularly in winter, then I'm worried the stall might not survive.'

he award-winning market was established in 1239 with the approval of Henry III and attracts visitors from all over the country.

But after receiving complaints Tynedale District Council ruled that the noise went 'beyond what is reasonable' and issued its edict.

Officers told traders that they can call out on Tuesdays and Saturdays only, and even then they must do so 'quietly'.

For the rest of the week they must keep quiet.

Carol Allison, 61, who works alongside Mr Foster, said: ' People come to the market for the life and the carry on. After all, there's not much more to Hexham.'

Another worker on the stall, who did not want to be named, said traders were stunned when the local council first told them about the complaints.

'It felt as though we were being wound up,' he said.

'The town has had a market here for centuries, it says everything that in this day and age even shouting from the market is seen as some kind of health hazard.

'We had to agree to shout less often and shout more quietly, which caused a few raised eyebrows when we explained it to the people who work on the stall.'

Part of the Charm

Philippa Walker, 42, who runs the Walled Garden Wilderness flower stall, said that shouting from stallholders was a way of life for everyone in Hexham.

'The hustle and bustle of the market place is one of the reasons people visit the town, it's part of its charm,' she said.

Carolyn Ridley, who runs Ridley's Fish and Game stall, said: 'The traders' cries are part of the colour of the market. They put on a fabulous display.'

Jackie McKale, 49, who manages the Kielder Organic Meats stall, said: 'It's strange not to have all the noise and shouting. 'It's one of the things I've always liked about Hexham, it gives the place some life and atmosphere.

'It's a lovely old town but I think the market traders add to it rather than cause a problem for people.'

The market  -  sandwiched between a 12th century abbey and 15th-century Moot Hall  -  consists of 31 stalls selling bric-a-brac, cakes, fruit and veg, fish, footwear, sweets, olives, pet supplies and meats.

It even boasts traders whose ancestors traded in exactly the same spot more than 200 years ago.

Karen Bell, 35, who drove from Carlisle to visit the market, said: 'It's noticeably quieter.

The stall holders are holding-back on the shouting. 'I really liked the atmosphere of the market. I hope the council reconsiders because it will be such a shame to have a tradition going back centuries stopped because of a few killjoys.'

Last night, council spokesman Philip Hindmarsh said: 'We appreciate that calling out is part of the standard practice on markets, but we had to agree with people working in the area that on some occasions this has gone beyond what is felt to be reasonable.

'We talked to the traders about this on a number of occasions, before sending them a letter, which is not asking them to stop calling, but to reduce the volume and frequency.'

TV show puts spotlight on organic venture
by David Coulter
From the Hexham Courant Published on July 24 2008

A NORTH Tyne farm’s daily workload will be beamed to a national audience this week in recognition of its entrepreneurial success.

A crew from BBC2’s Jimmy Doherty’s Farming Heroes spent a couple of days filming at Dunterley Farm, Bellingham, exploring the ways that the farm has diversified since it was taken over by Michelle and Colin Anderson in 2001.

A 15 minute slot of their daily work on the 1,600- acre farm will be shown on Tuesday at 9pm.

The farm is home to Kielder Organic Meats, which has grown into a successful business of regional significance.

The farm has now been fully converted into an organic production enterprise and its results will be shown to millions of viewers.

Mrs Anderson said: “It is a great achievement to be on the show, and we now get recognised everywhere we go.

“The show is about how we have diversified the land and how we go about our business in the current economy.

“Farming has changed and we have had to change with it.”

During filming last year, Mr Doherty helped the family out with their daily activities.

He helped gather in sheep, worked in the farm’s butchery but mainly took a back seat and learned about how farmers work.

The farm has been praised for its fledging organic venture and was chosen by the production team for its adoption of organic methods.

Kielder Organic Meats became fully operational in 2005 and the Andersons converted former agricultural buildings into a butchery and farm shop.

Mrs Anderson said: “We’ve expanded our product range and now sell Kielder Organic beef from our 120 head of Aberdeen Angus and Galloway herds, as well as organic pork from our 100 sow herd of traditional Saddleback and Middle White pigs.

“The farm shop also stocks a full range of organic vegetables, as well as eggs from our 150 organic hen flock."

BELLINGHAM NEWS
From the Hexham Courant Published on July 24 2008.

THERE are few businesses in the country which have acquired such a high profile in such a short space of time as Kielder Organic Meats, based at Dunterley Farm in Bellingham. It was only established five years ago, and has already had the future King of England and his wife come knocking at the door.

Now I hear that Colin and Michelle Anderson and family are back on national television next week, as part of the BBC2 programme Jimmy Docherty’s Farming Heroes.

A film crew spent two days at Dunterley, and up around Falstone, where the Andersons were filmed gathering the fell (rounding up sheep for the uninitiated) which made such a good piece of film it is featured in the series’ opening titles.

I hear that daughter Tracey’s horseback cameo cowgirl appearance is something to behold!

The programme airs at 9pm.

COUPLE WILL FEATURE ON TV AS 'FARMING HEROES' From The Journal Published on July 21 2008, by Karen Dent A COUPLE of organic farmers who also have their own retail business are to appear on television later this month to be recognised as farming heroes. Colin and Michelle Anderson moved to Dunterley Farm, Bellingham, in 2001, where they established Kielder Organic Meats. They also have land near Kielder Forest, where their organically reared sheep, cattle and pigs are reared. The enterprise, which butchers as well as produces its own organic meat, will feature on Jimmy Doherty’s Farming Heroes on BBC2 next week, Tuesday, July 29.

“We were farming more or less organically, so we thought we may as well go the whole way,” said Michelle, who had been farming for 20 years before opening Kielder Organic Meats.

“We don’t use nitrogen fertiliser. It’s made a big difference.

“People really like organic. The way things are going, people want free range animals. It’s the best thing we have ever done.”

The couple were chosen to appear on the TV show as an excellent version of a family farm. The TV crew spent two days filming at the enterprise.

“People can see how we are farming here. People are really interested in the animals where they are looked after and they are outside,” said Michelle.

But this isn’t Kielder Organic Meats’ first brush with fame.

The enterprise was visited by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, who invited the Andersons to the organic Duchy Home farm at Highgrove last summer.

The Andersons, who employ five full-time and two part-time staff, converted disused farm buildings into a butchery to add further value to the enterprise.

“The traditional buildings weren’t being fully utilised and were ripe for conversion, and we wanted to be more in control of our own destiny,” said Michelle. The farm sells its meat via its own farm shop, which stocks organic vegetables and eggs from the couple’s free range hens.

They also have a twice weekly stall at Hexham market, and supply restaurants and other farm shops. The venture received a “great” response when Michelle took a stall at The Journal’s first Taste North East England Food and Drink Festival at Gibside in April.

TEN THINGS TO EAT BEFORE THEY DIE

From The Journal Published on May 2008.


EAT!’ NewcastleGateshead food festival’s closing event and gala dinner promises to be a spectacular occasion held in association with North East Culinary and Trade Association (NECTA) and Slow Food UK.

The extra special menu features at least ten ingredients from the Slow Food’s Ark of Taste list which protects endangered treasures of the food world. These local, artisan foods are now made by just a handful of producers and include such delicacies as Herdwick mutton, wild Ethiopian coffee, Irish raw milk cheese and Hungarian magalica sausage from the famous woolly pigs.

The evening is designed to be highly enjoyable but also to highlight serious messages about those traditional foods which are in grave danger of extinction. The evening will also include entertainment from magicians and musicians, a festival award-giving ceremony and foodie goodie bags to take home.

The gala dinner takes place on Thursday May 22 at Marriott Hotel,Gosforth Park. Tickets normally cost £85 but Culture Club members can get tickets at the reduced price of £75.

The event is sponsored by Kielder Organic Meats.

Demanding a second bite

From The Journal Published on April 20 2008.
By JANE HALL, THE JOURNAL

WHEN can we do it all again? So say stallholders who attended the first ever Journal Taste North East England Food and Drink Festival at the weekend.

So successful was the event run in association with the National Trust at the Gibside estate near Rowlands Gill that many exhibitors had all but run out of produce by lunch-time, and were forced to make emergency calls for more stock to be brought in.

Others have already signed-up new customers as 10,000 plus descended on Gibside, drawn by the chance to not only buy some of the finest foods available anywhere in Britain but watch cookery demonstrations by local celebrity chefs and meet TV’s Hairy Biker, Simon King.

Michelle Anderson of Kielder Organic Meats admitted she was unprepared for the spending frenzy that erupted when last Saturday’s event opened to the public at 10.30am.

She said: “I expected the festival to be busy, but I never expected the response I got. I had sold out in two hours. It was crazy. I had brought 10 trays of meat, which is a lot, but it just flew off the stall. It was the shortest time I’ve ever sold that much.

“And the response I have had since has been fantastic. I have had a lot of positive feedback since Saturday and I now have people ordering for next week. Your event has given me new customers.

“I know the pudding woman on the stall next to me also sold out. People came with money to spend, and they weren’t shy in spending it. I was doing tastings of our sausages and I had to stop cooking because there were so many people clamouring to buy. I remember looking up at one point and there were so many people I couldn’t see across their heads.”

Mrs Anderson, 44, who started Kielder Organic Meats two-and-a-half years ago with husband Colin, 43, in Bellingham, Northumberland, added: “We would love to do another Journal food and drink festival.”

Her sentiments have been echoed by Ian Nixon, 29, of Spicy Monkey. The Gateshead-based business which specialises in spices and curry pastes and marinades was left with only a handful of jars by close of play – leaving Mr Nixon and girlfriend Gemma Reynolds, 28, wondering how they were going to stock their stall for Sunday’s Newcastle Quayside Market which they regularly attend.

“The food and drink festival far exceeded our expectations. Because The Journal had never done an event like this before we hadn’t expected it to be so successful.

“But it was brilliant. We pretty much sold out and we had to scrape together produce to sell for the Quayside.

“If you ever do anything like this again, count us in.”

Chris and Shirley Donkin sold more than 400 loaves, 300 savoury pies and hundreds of scones. The couple, who run Northumberland bakers J Donkin, had doubled their original order for the day as publicity for the Gibside event grew in momentum. Mrs Donkin said: “For us you really have to try and plan as all our food is perishable. But we sold out of everything. We brought extra cakes as back-up as we knew they would keep longer than the bread if they didn’t sell, but even they went. It was superb.

“We go to other established food festivals, but we sold more at Gibside, which is excellent as it was the first such event.

“In terms of the mix of stalls and people who came, it was fantastic. We would definitely do another Journal food and drink festival.”

Alison Taylor of Bedlington-based Food Local Food which delivers the best quality regional produce to people’s homes, taking away the need for consumers to drive between retailers themselves, gave away more than 1,500 leaflets and secured at least 10 new orders on the day.

“By the time we had closed up shop we had 10 new orders – four taken at the stall and six by the time I got back home. But I know we have had more orders on our website now than we had for the whole of last week, and I know they have come through The Journal event.

“We sold hundreds of pounds worth of vegetables and we were exhausted by the end of the day. But we would do it all again.”

Bring Your Tastebuds To Life

From The Journal Published on April 15 2008.
By JANE HALL, THE JOURNAL

A STATELY home in Gateshead will become the culinary capital of the North East later this month thanks to a gastronomic extravaganza organised by The Journal.

Gibside near Rowlands Gill will be the setting for the first ever Journal Taste North East England Campaign Food and Drink Festival in association with the National Trust.

Delicacies and delights from across the region will be on offer to visitors as more than 50 of the area’s finest food and drink suppliers and producers gather alongside local celebrity chefs for the one-day event on April 26.

Set against one of the grandest backdrops that any food and drink festival could boast, the joint Journal and National Trust event will be a celebration and demonstration of great North East cooking and the excellent produce available between the Rivers Tweed and Tees.

Located on the Green Close next to the ruined ancestral home of the Bowes-Lyons family, not only will the festival be worth coming to just for Gibside’s spectacular vistas, winding paths and grassy open spaces spanning 400 acres, but for the chance to enjoy some of the finest produce on offer anywhere in Britain.

From the farmers to the chefs, the festival will whet your appetite by tasting, selling and cooking game and fish, tasty soups and bread, succulent meats and tempting puddings, homemade sweets and jams, fresh vegetables and free range local eggs. You can then wash all that down in the real ale and wine tent.

With a cookery demonstration marquee sponsored by Waitrose of Hexham that will house the Northumbria Larder mobile kitchen, you will be hard pushed to keep your stomach empty for long.

It is here that local BBC MasterChef finalist David Hall; Journal columnist Bill Oldfield; Richard Sim of the Made in Northumberland food project; Tony Binks of the award-winning Barrasford Arms gastro-pub and Gareth Marks, fresh from hosting his three-month Tyne Tees TV show, A Taste of the North, and now of Newcastle’s Persian-influenced Flatbread Cafe, will cook up a storm using ingredients supplied by stallholders at a series of 30-minute food demonstrations throughout the action-packed day.

Also on hand will be lifelong food lover and TV’s Hairy Biker, Simon King from Prudhoe, in Northumberland, who, like the other chefs who have signed-up for the festival, will be giving his time for free in support of The Journal Taste North East England Campaign launched in January to encourage consumers, retailers and hoteliers and restaurateurs to buy local, use local and eat local for the good of the region’s health and economy.

Mr King, who has found fame as one-half of the BBC’s unconventional cookery duo, The Hairy Bikers, with long-time friend Dave Myers from Cumbria, is a keen advocate of North East produce. Earlier this year he and Mr Myers each championed quality produce on their own doorsteps in The Hairy Bikers Come Home – A Winter Special, the first time North East food had been promoted in its own show on national prime-time television.

Last night Mr King said: “I am impassioned about local food because I care. I just want to give people a hand. I think The Journal Taste North East England Food and Drink Festival in association with the National Trust is a great opportunity for everyone to get together and see what other producers are doing, see what is out there and really get a vibe going about the wonderful produce we have in this region.

“It is also a great opportunity to have a giggle. I’m very flattered that I have been asked to get involved and I look forward very much to meeting everybody, from stallholders to the public.

“I will be at the event for at least a couple of hours, so come along and meet me.

“I’ll sign whatever part of the body anyone wants to offer up. Just get along to Gibside and show your support for our local food and drink producers. If we don’t support them, they won’t be there.”

The day, which runs from 10.30am-3.30pm, will also feature a selection of craft people as well as face painting for children to run alongside the main event.

For many of the produce stallholders this will be the first time they have appeared at such an event. Scores of exhibitors will be making a rare public appearance, attracted to the Food and Drink Festival by The Journal’s Taste campaign and the involvement of the National Trust.

Journal Editor Brian Aitken said: “This event promises to be a spectacular day of gastronomic delights for everyone of all ages. We are cooking up lots of treats for stallholders and the public alike, and thanks to the line-up of producers, suppliers and chefs we have, we expect to attract visitors from far and wide.

“Our sole aim is to get The Journal’s buy local, use local, eat local campaign message out there and ensure we have a thriving North East food and drink industry we can be proud of going into the future. It is good for us and good for the local economy.

“We are indebted to the National Trust for teaming up with us and allowing us to hold this festival in such spectacular surroundings at Gibside.

“The National Trust in the North East has been an avid supporter of local food for many years, and The Journal looks forward to working with the Trust on future projects in support of our artisan food and drink producers.”

KIELDER ORGANIC MEATS WILL BE A STALL HOLDER AT THE EVENT.

Bytes with bites at village cafe

From the Hexham Courant Published on Mar 14 2008.
By GEMMA SOMERVILLE

A NEW North Tyne business looks set to catapult Bellingham into the 21st century.

IT Bites, owned by husband and wife team Jason and Helen Spiller, allows customers to combine checking their emails with grabbing a coffee at the premises on Lock Up Lane.

The Internet cafe, which opened for business in January, is home to two iMac computers with fast wireless broadband access as well as printing, photocopying, faxing and photo printing facilities for the village.

But there’s more than just the latest technology to tempt people through the door. For the cafe offers home-made sandwiches, cakes and scones, using local produce where available as well as stocking a range of Fairtrade produce.

A 43-inch television with the latest in gaming technology, including an Xbox and Nintendo 64, has also fuelled the creation of a successful after-school gaming club for youngsters in the village.

And for Jason, the new business provides an opportunity for him to combine his skills in catering and IT, while Helen works as a primary school teacher in Newcastle.

He said: “My wife Helen and I relocated to Bellingham exactly one year ago from Lancaster.

“I’m from South Shields originally and studied at Lancaster University for a BSc in digital imaging which I completed in 1999.

“I’ve worked in catering on and off since I was 18, and IT since I graduated.

“I also teach IT to adults part time at Bellingham Middle School and Queen Elizabeth in Hexham. So I really am able to combine the two things I enjoy doing.”

Based in premises which have long been renowned as a popular eating and meeting place in the village, the cafe is also licensed and the couple intend to sell speciality beers and spirits for consumption on and off the premises.

With many of the ingredients needed for the menu sourced from the Tyne Valley, including meat supplied by Kielder Organic Meats at Dunterley Farm, Jason favours the use of organic and free range products.

“We try to source as much of our produce as locally as we can and also only use organic or free range meat and dairy,” Jason explained.

“We also use Fairtrade produce in our cooking and where possible we only use imported produce from a Fairtrade source. We also sell a range of Fairtrade produce from Traidcraft.

“It’s also our intention, at a later date, to sell a range of goods produced in Northumberland, including preserves, cheese and charcuterie.”

ROYAL MUTTON CAMPAIGN HELPS PRESERVE BRITAIN’S RURAL LANDSCAPES
21st January 2008

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales will visit a North Yorkshire sheep farm tomorrow (Tuesday January 22) as part of his support for the Mutton Renaissance Campaign.

The Prince will visit Grange Farm, near Pickering, which is farmed by Tim Wilson, who also owns a chain of butchers’ shops.

In addition to sheep, Mr Wilson also rears pigs and cattle on his farm. During the day, guests will hear about the challenges facing livestock farmers and discuss continued consumer demand coupled with falling returns for producers. They will also consider the best ways to achieve strength for the livestock sector and through this, develop sustainability for farming communities and deliver greater protection for the countryside.

The Mutton Renaissance Campaign is a personal initiative of The Prince’s, launched in 2004 to get mutton back onto the nation’s dinner plates and create a new market opportunity for farmers.

Since then, the campaign has achieved considerable success with over 400 businesses having registered their involvement and 250 of these having elected to appear on the initiative’s website. Many of these are small farms from upland areas that sell their mutton direct from the farm. Others include leading restaurants where chefs such as Brian Turner, Mark Hix, John Williams and Jeremy Lee celebrate the meat’s taste credentials.

The vital role that sheep play in grazing British hillsides, and the habitat management that this delivers, is a key theme of the campaign. Generations of farmers and their flocks have sculpted upland Britain and a growing market for mutton will help ensure the future of the moors and fells, which are cherished by millions of people in this country.

John Thorley, chairman of the Mutton Renaissance Club, said: “A sustainable market for quality mutton is emerging giving sheep farmers more reasons to keep their animals grazing on the hills. By doing this, the sheep perform many hidden roles. This includes the upkeep of rural landscapes, keeping them open and accessible for visitors and discouraging the spread of dangerous parasites such as ticks.”

Welfare standards are also important in the production of Renaissance Mutton as farmer Tim Wilson explains: “Renaissance Mutton encourages a focus on quality and through this increased animal welfare, as we send well-finished ewes to local abattoirs in small batches. We then use the whole carcase, from primal joints for slow roasting or braising to all the minor cuts that we use in casseroles, pies and sausages.

“By finding a niche market for these ewes, the Mutton Renaissance campaign has increased the value of older stock to farms such as this. In 2003, my flock was half the size it is today and I knew that I could sell all of our older ewes through our own butchers shops - about 100 each year,” he said. “Today, with a much bigger flock, the growing interest in quality mutton means that I’ll sell 400 ewes this year.”

Well-known Yorkshire chef Brian Turner is the president of the Academy of Culinary Arts, one of the organisations at the heart of the Mutton Renaissance Campaign. He will lead a team of Academy chefs to create a mutton menu for The Prince at Grange Farm.

He said: “The best mutton is a meat with a distinct flavour but one that had been almost forgotten until HRH The Prince of Wales stepped in. His passion for farming and good food has encouraged chefs to reappraise mutton and what a treasure we are discovering.

“Its subtle gamey flavour is an ideal partner for winter root vegetables, long slow cooking and an equal match for spiced dishes from North Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean. It’s also great in curries. I hope to see it more frequently on seasonal menus and also in butchers shops as demand increases from home cooks.”

A new report (see Notes to Editors) shows that the market for quality mutton can continue to achieve steady growth. Before the launch of the campaign, consumption of this type of mutton was considered to be minimal. In the report, released at the start of 2007, the market volume was estimated at 423 tonnes. A supplement to the report, newly published (January 2008), suggests that market volumes have risen by 21% to 511 tonnes.

Stretching from October 1, until the end of March, the season marks the period when Renaissance Mutton is at its best after enjoying a diet of summer grasses and heather and an extended maturation period.

The Mutton Renaissance Campaign is co-ordinated by the National Sheep Association and the Academy of Culinary Arts and is funded by the English Beef & Lamb Executive and Hybu Cig Cymru / Meat Promotion Wales.

ENDS

For further editorial information, interviews, photography or recipes contact:
Matt Exley, Carole Baldwin or Menna Davies at Kabassa Marketing Communications
T: 0117 924 4300 E: matt@kabassa.co.uk / carole@kabassa.co.uk / menna.davies@hotmail.com

No room at market for top meat farmer

From the Journal, Published on Nov 12 2007.
By Liz Hands, The Journal.

ONE of the region’s top organic farmers cannot get a stall on a farmers’ market in Newcastle – because there are too many people selling meat.

Colin and Michelle Anderson, who run Kielder Organic Meats at Dunterley Farm, Bellingham, Northumberland, have been farming for nearly 20 years but moved into organic production five years ago.

Since then they have featured in an episode of Gary Rhodes’s Local Food Heroes, where they battled it out with the other five nominees to be named the North-East’s top meat producer.

The family also received a royal visit last November, when Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall had a tour of their farm.

But when thecouple applied to sell their produce at the monthly Newcastle farmers’ market, they were told that no pitches were available.

Mrs Anderson said: “My husband and I have been farming for more than 20 years, but we only set up Kielder Organic Meats some 15 months ago.

“Since then we’ve gone from strength to strength.

“But getting our produce out to the public who demand it has been difficult at times.

“We have a shop at the farm, and we trade on Tuesdays and Saturdays in Hexham on a patch owned by Tynedale Council, but we also wanted to be able to sell our meat at the various specialist farmers’ markets that take place across the North-East.”

The family – who breed cattle, sheep and pigs on their 1,600-acre land – began organic farming five years ago and say this is another reason why there should be space made available for them in Newcastle.

Mrs Anderson said: “Organic food is in high demand.

“People are screaming out for it, so you’d think securing a pitch at a market for local goods would be pretty simple.

“I know there are quite a few meat sellers at the market in Newcastle, but only one of them offers organic produce. He regularly runs out because demand is so high, so there’s surely room for another seller.”

A Newcastle City Council spokesman said: “We have a responsibility to provide a variety of choice at the farmers’ market and already have seven or eight meat producers among the 24 stalls. Therefore, our customers are very well catered for.

“We have regular, loyal traders who have built up a loyal following and comply fully with our farmers’ market regulations.

“We are currently oversubscribed, but there is an opportunity to apply for a place every six months.”

The Newcastle farmers’ markets take place on the first Friday of each month, with a range of stalls representing the local agricultural industry.

Organic Food is Healthier - Study

From The Guardian. Published on 29/10/2007

By IAN SAMPLE, Science Correspondent

Some organic foods, including fruit, vegetables and milk, may be more nutritious than non-organic produce, according to an investigation by British scientists.

Early results from a £12m study showed that organic fruit and vegetables contained up to 40% more antioxidants than non-organic varieties, according to Professor Carlo Leifert at Newcastle University, who leads the EU-funded Quality Low Input Food project.

Larger differences were found in milk, with organic varieties containing more than 60% more antioxidants and healthy fatty acids, he said.

Antioxidant-rich food is often promoted as healthier because in lab tests the compounds neutralise free radicals that are thought to contribute to ageing.

The findings contradict advice from the Food Standards Agency, which maintains there is no scientific evidence to suggest organic food is healthier.

During the four-year project, Prof Leifert's team, which is based at the university's Tesco centre for organic agriculture, reared cattle and grew fruit and vegetables on adjacent organic and non-organic sites across Europe, including a 725-acre farm attached to the university. The full results of the study will be released in full over the next 12 months.

"What we're really interested in is finding out why there is so much variability ... What in the agricultural system gives a higher nutritional content and less of the baddies in the food?" Prof Leifert said.

PULLING WOOL OVER THEIR EYES

From The Hexham Courant, Hexham, Northumberland. Published on 24/08/2007

By REBECCA DIXON

rebecca.dixon@hexham-courant.co.uk

DESPITE dreary conditions and the current ban on livestock movement, people turned out in force to show their support for Falstone Show.

The comedy sheepdog trials were a big hit and the imagination that had gone into creating replica sheep was marvellous to see.

Everyone had interpreted the competition in a different way and there were sheep made from balloons, polystyrene, chicken wire and woolly jumpers.

Helen Brown, whose uncle came up with the idea, said: “Everyone only had a week to get these made and they are brilliant.”

The bark of dogs was the only animal sound this year and although fewer in number than usual, a fine selection was turned out by their proud owners.

The puppies were an adorable sight, especially one tiny sheepdog being walked by its toddler mistress.

The hounds were probably the largest category and their majestic strides were watched with admiration by the onlookers.

The overall sheepdog champion was Ben, born and bred on the farm by Isobel Wallace from Bridgeford at Bellingham. She said: “I’ve been coming here since 1989 and last year I won with a sheepdog bitch.”

Isobel also had great success in the industrial tent with her prize cakes and jams.

Those wishing to shelter from the rain during the day had the delights of the catering tent with its inviting smell of sizzling meat provided by Kielder Organic Meats. The pure beef burgers were selling fast, although Michelle Anderson, who was running the stall, said: “It is quieter than last year but we expected that.”

Despite it not being the warmest day of the year, the ice cream van did a good trade – after it eventually managed to get across the field with the help of a tractor.

The beer tent also proved a popular hideaway, especially for older teens who had ventured out for the show. Some of them sported vibrant furry top hats, won on the hook-a-pikachu stand.

For the really young there was the usual selection of sports day races including sprints and egg and spoon races.

It was heartwarming to see how many families came along to cheer the children, who eagerly raced for the sweetie box almost as quickly as they had raced to cross the line!

The triumph of one little girl, six year old Sally Dagg, from Hott Farm, was not limited to the sports field, as she also came first in the under six handwriting competition.

The children’s efforts on the day must be applauded, with a super selection of paintings, photographs and baked goods on display in the industrial tent.

There were some ingenious vegetable dogs in the children’s section and an array of beautiful floral arrangements from the adult entries.

A fine selection of walking sticks was on display and the stand holders said: “We had 68 sticks last year and 93 this year. The competition is tremendous and the sticks are of real quality.”

Mr D. Simpson, of Jedburgh, swept the board winning seven first prizes and the Stick Dressers’ Cup.

For those desperate to spend their money the craft tent offered a range of beautiful hand-made goods. And the tasting stand of spirits and liqueurs proved popular.

Later in the afternoon, the fell racers began crossing the line. Several competitors had come to the show specially for the race and not even thigh-high nettles could put them off.

First place went to Will Horsley after Martin Frost, who crossed the finish line first, had unknowingly mis-run the route.

Will (28), who runs with the Northumberland Fell Runners, said: “I came up here specially for the race because I like to support the local fell races, and a few of our club members have shown up today.”

Although many expected the show to be a bit of damp squib this year, it managed to go off well and everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves.

From The Hexham Courant, Hexham, Northumberland. Published on 03/08/2007

IT was ladies’ day at Tarset Clay Shooting Club on Saturday – and the ladies proved they are certainly no slouches when it comes to shotguns.

For hot-shot Emma Robsion, from Allenheads, missed only one of the 40 clays which came her way at the Reivers of Tarset shooting ground at the Comb, Tarset.

It’s Emma’s fourth big win in a row, making her one to keep an eye on.

Runner-up in the competition was Lynda Saint, of Bellingham, with Cheryl Anderson third.

The junior prize went to Cassie Milligan.

Sponsors of the day included Bellingham Chemists, Bellingham Country Store, Kielder Organic Meats, Riverdale Hall Hotel, Hugh Thompson the butcher, and the Hollybush Inn at Greenhaugh.

From The Hexham Courant, Hexham, Northumberland. Published on 17/08/2007.

Published on By WILL GREEN

DESPITE initial shortages, Tynedale’s farm shops are reporting business as usual following the easing of the foot-and-mouth animal transport restrictions last Thursday.

Colin and Michelle Anderson from Dunterley Farm, Bellingham, started Kielder Organic Meats and opened a farm shop to sell their own beef, pork and lamb in 2006.

Despite an initial flurry of panic buying, by people from as far away as Newcastle, things have quickly returned to normal.

Mrs Anderson said: “The restrictions did have an impact on us last week, we had near panic buying. It was the busiest week we’ve had; it was incredible.

“People were coming from all over to buy meat, it was like there was a war on or people were expecting a meat shortage.”

However, things have now calmed down and it is business as usual at the shop since the lifting of the restrictions on transporting animals for slaughter last Thursday.

“With the lifting of the restrictions last week, we managed to get three cattle, 15 lambs and seven pigs away on Monday, so we are open as usual,” added Mrs Anderson.

Having run North Acomb Farm Shop at Stocksfield for more than 25 years, for Robin and Caroline Baty it is also business as usual, despite an initial shortage of lamb after the first outbreak.

Mr Batey explained: “It is business as normal, although I think everyone has their fingers crossed that the Government can keep the outbreak contained down south.

“We had a delay of about three days before the restrictions were lifted when we were running short of lamb, we weren’t out but we did come close.

From The Hexham Courant, Hexham, Northumberland. Published on 27/07/2007.

Farm's place in TV Final

by Will Green

A NORTH Tyne farm has got through to the regional finals of the UKTV Food Heroes competition.

Kielder Organic Meats at Dunterley Farm, Bellingham, will face four other regional food producers and retails to win a place in the national finals in November, where £40,000 will be up for grabs.

On Monday, celebrity chef Brian Turner was at Dunterley Farm to try out some organic beef, prepared by Michelle Anderson, who runs Kielder Organic Meats with her husband, Colin.

Mrs Anderson said: “On Monday we had Brian Turner here and we gave him a topside of beef, which he really enjoyed. We’ve only been going for 18 months and it’s incredible how much we’ve achieved.”

The other regional finalists are Meltons Too, of York, the Feathers Inn, at Hedley-on-the-Hill, Pepperfield Farm, Darlington, and Farmaround, of Richmond.

From The Jounal, Newcastle. Published on 08/01/2007

Miliband angers organic farmers

Organic farmers in the North hit back yesterday at environment minister David Miliband, after he claimed their produce was no better than mass-produced food.
The South Shields MP and Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs described organic produce as "a lifestyle choice". And he also said that food grown with the use of pesticides and other chemicals should not be seen as second-best.

Asked about the benefits claimed for organic food, Mr Miliband said yesterday: "It's a lifestyle choice that people can make. There isn't any conclusive evidence either way. It's only 4% of total farm produce, not 40%, and I would not want to say that 96% of our farm produce is inferior because it's not organic."

But his views have outraged some of the region's most respected producers.
Bellingham farmer Colin Anderson, who raises organic livestock, is now challenging Mr Miliband to visit him and experience the difference for himself.

In November he hosted a Royal Visit at Dunterley Farm, where he was highly praised by Prince Charles for his efforts.

And speaking last night, Mr Anderson said: "We challenge David Miliband to come to our farm - he can see what we do and actually taste what we produce.

"Organic farming reduces exposure to chemicals used in sprays and fertilisers, some which have been linked to asthma and even cancer. Our animals are reared humanely, allowed to forage in natural pastures and no chemicals, pesticides or GM are used. Customers tell us they really can taste the difference.

"We don't want to put other farmers down - the British farmer does a cracking job - but we are proud of what we do and what we produce. I can't understand where the man is coming from."

Ian Sutherland, whose family has run a small organic farm at Rock Midstead near Alnwick for the last 40 years, accused Mr Miliband of "huge generalisation" on green produce.
He said: "It's very unfortunate that he has come out with this. He's missing the point in a very big way. The real difference with organic farming is the way things are produced. It's a lot more environmentally friendly, also in terms of animal welfare and for wildlife.

"In some sectors there is also a huge improvement in the quality of produce, especially organic poultry and pork, eggs and milk.

"The minister is making a huge generalisation, which is very unfortunate."

NFU county chairman for Northumberland, Ponteland organic farmer Carron Craighead, said: "It's not a lifestyle choice, its a health choice.

"Many people who are suffering from serious illness are advised by their doctors to switch to organic because of the absence of residual chemicals.

From Northumberland National Park News. Published on 13/11/2006

HRH The Prince of Wales Visits Northumberland National Park

Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visited Northumberland National Park on the 9th of November 2006 with Business in the Community. The theme of the visit was sustainability in rural life - Their Royal Highnesses visited a successful organic farm diversification project at Kielder Organic Meats, met local residents to view some community arts and history projects and discussed with farmers the future for hill farming and the rural economy at The Hollybush Inn in Greenhaugh. Their Royal Highnesses also met qualifying trainees from Northumberland National Park's Traditional Boundaries, Training Skills Programme.

From The Journal, Newcastle. Published on 10/11/2006.

Royal couple get beastly surprise

Nov 10 2006

By Hayley Beattie and Robert Brooks, The Journal


Holly Bush Inn landlord Tim Morris has some sound advice on pulling a pint for the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall

Prize cattle, artists and farmers from Northumberland greeted Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall on their final day of their visit to the North-East.

The Royal couple arrived at their first engagement at Dunterly Farm, near Bellingham, by helicopter to the delight of schoolchildren who had gathered to wave flags and banners.

They were given a personal tour of the farm, the home of Kielder Organic Meats, by owners Colin and Michelle Anderson. Colin said: "Prince Charles is clearly very knowledgeable about issues faced by farmers, and he obviously cares a great deal.

"He's been very active in offering his support and bringing people together for the future."

It was then time to head to the pub where Prince Charles pulled a pint of beer which his wife declared was "more froth than beer".

The Royal couple were visiting one of England's most remote pubs in the village of Greenhaugh, near Bellingham.

The Holly Bush Inn serves the largest parish in the country and as well as selling a range of beers, provides a base for local community groups and is used for computer classes.

Prince Charles pulled a pint off Nels Best Ale, and said: "It is very good."

The beer is brewed in Matfen by Steve and Sally Urwin, who started High House Farm Brewery in 2003 when the couple decided to diversify after foot-and-mouth hit the region.

Mrs Urwin said: "I thought Prince Charles did a great job pulling the pint and he congratulated us on successfully diversifying."

The Prince then met with local farmers who told him of the challenges of hill farming, while his wife chatted with local artists. Landlord of the 17th Century drovers' inn, Tim Morris, said: "I suspect this is something like his ideal community pub, it doesn't have piped music, it doesn't have slot machines and there is no TV."

Their final visit of their two-day tour was to unveil a plaque to mark the official reopening of a community building in Rothbury.

Local people raised over £500,000 to completely renovate the Victorian Jubilee Institute, which was originally opened in 1887.

Charles and Camilla were taken on a tour of the building and met many of the local people involved in community groups and enjoyed tea and cakes and a quick chat with members of the RAF Association.

The Prince of Wales told guests: "I think it is a remarkable achievement, if I may say so, that you have all managed to bring this marvellous hall back to life.

"I do congratulate all those involved for the huge effort you have all made.

"I can see the Jubilee Institute is a very important centre of community life for the people of Rothbury and Coquetdale."

Kielder Organic Meats PRESS RELEASE: 9th November 2006. For Immediate Publication.

Charles and Camilla Meet Charles and Camilla

Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall visited Kielder Organic Meats today and were introduced to their namesakes – two organic Aberdeen Angus cattle named after the Royal couple on the occasion of their wedding in 2005.

---BEGINS---

The Royal couple were given a tour of parts of Dunterley Farm and its Farmshop then took tea and sampled some of the farms organic meats, which included the Princes’ favourite – organic mutton, in the farmhouse kitchen

Colin and Michelle Anderson have been changing to be fully organic over the last eight years. The organic process is now complete with full Soil Association approval. Since becoming fully organic Dunterley has been a runaway success.

This is already their second meeting with the Royal Family. Earlier in the year they were invited with their daughter, Tracy, to a garden party at Buckingham Palace and were specially selected to meet with Prince Philip and Prince Edward and had a lengthy conversation with them about the way they farm.

Dunterley’s Farm Shop is situated in the farmyard, selling the farm’s own organic lamb, beef, pork and eggs alongside locally grown vegetables and local produce. Works on a bakery and coffee shop on the farm will start in 2007. Visitors will be able to see a working farm in operation as they sip coffee and buy their produce. Colin and Michelle are great believers in letting their customers see how all the food is produced and always happy to let people have a trip around the farm.

Jamie Oliver has been a huge influence on the couple who are now organising school visits to the farm to enable urban children to see just where healthy food comes from. A plan to send food to the urban schools, for the pupils to cook and serve to their teachers and parents, is underway. As Colin and Michelle say “We are happy to invest in these kids as we see them as our future customers”.

As Colin and Michelle tend to the livestock they have observed that they are also helping to protect wildlife habitats - now they see twice as many song birds, curlews, lapwings and grouse sharing the pastures with their stock. They feed the animals food grown on their own land, peas barley and oats - all completely natural.

---ENDS---

---NOTES FOR EDITORS---

Kielder Organic Meats is owned and operated by Colin and Michelle Anderson, their farm, Dunterley, is situated at Dunterley, Bellingham, Northumberland, nestling in the North Tyne Valley where the livestock grazes around the very picturesque Kielder Water and on the banks of the Tyne. Kielder was named as one of the least polluted areas in the country by Country Life Magazine, which assessed the impact of air, noise and light pollution.
http://www.kielderorganicmeats.co.uk

From the Hexham Courant. Published on 03/11/2006.

Charles and Camilla to visit North Tyne

THE Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall are to visit the North Tyne next week.

The Royal couple are going to Dunterley Farm at Bellingham, and then dropping in at the Hollybush Inn at nearby Greenhaugh on Thursday.

Dunterley is the home of one of the district’s fastest growing businesses, Kielder Organic Meats, established by Colin and Michelle Anderson.

Prince Charles is well known for his interest in organic farming.

The Andersons met the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Edward at a royal garden party earlier this year, and the visit was arranged after that.

Kielder Organic Meats PRESS RELEASE: 25th October 2006.

Royal Visit for Kielder Organic Meats

Buckingham Palace today confirmed that Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall are to visit Dunterly Farm, the home of Kielder Organic Meats and the pioneering Anderson family.

The Royal couple will be given a personal guided tour of the farm by Colin and Michelle Anderson and will then be taking tea with them in their farmhouse kitchen.

Colin and Michelle Anderson have been changing to be fully organic over the last eight years. The organic process is now complete with full Soil Association approval. Since becoming fully organic Dunterly has been a runaway success.

This is already their second meeting with the Royal Family. Earlier in the year they were invited with their daughter, Tracy, to a garden party at Buckingham Palace and were specially selected to meet with Prince Philip and Prince Edward and had a lengthy conversation with them about the way they farm.

Dunterley Success Story
Dunterly has its own Farm Shop, situated in the farmyard, selling the farm’s own organic lamb, beef, pork and eggs alongside locally grown vegetables and local produce. Works on a bakery and coffee shop on the farm will start in 2007. Visitors will be able to see a working farm in operation as they sip coffee and buy their produce. Colin and Michelle are great believers in letting their customers see how all the food is produced and always happy to let people have a trip around the farm.

Jamie Oliver has been a huge influence on the couple who are now organising school visits to the farm to enable urban children to see just where healthy food comes from. A plan to send food to the urban schools, for the pupils to cook and serve to their teachers and parents, is underway. As Colin and Michelle say “We are happy to invest in these kids as we see them as our future customers”.

As Colin and Michelle tend to the livestock they have observed that they are also helping to protect wildlife habitats - now they see twice as many song birds, curlews, lapwings and grouse sharing the pastures with their stock. They feed the animals food grown on their own land, peas barley and oats - all completely natural. ENDS.

Photographs available from Kielder Organic Meats on request. Contacts>

From NFU Online. Published on 12/06/2006

Farm Sunday is a sizzling success

With temperatures soaring this weekend, hundreds of families made for the countryside to enjoy a range of events organised as part of the first ever 'Farm Sunday'.

Activities on offer included everything from guided farm walks and tractor rides to farm demonstrations and barbeques.

The aim was to get as many people as possible out of the towns and onto a farm. Fun was very much the order of the day, but farmers were also keen to show people how food is produced and how they manage the fabulous landscape for which the region is famous.

In Northumberland, dozens of people visited Colin and Michelle Andreson, who farm at Dunterley Farm, Bellingham near Hexham. "They really enjoyed seeing our cattle, sheep and pigs," said Michelle, "and tucked into the barbeque we organised, complete with home produced organic beef and lamb.

"The feedback we got was that everyone enjoyed themselves and learned a bit about where their food comes from."

From Northumberland National Park. Published on 10/10/2005.

National Park Hosts Traditional Breed Hot Beef Tasting at Alwinton Show

Northumberland National Park Authority's Drovers Project hosted a Hot Roast Beef Tasting at the Alwinton Show this weekend, to celebrate the value of locally produced meat from traditional breeds of cattle.

The National Park's beef fest provided ten joints of Aberdeen Angus and Galloway meat for visitors to try. Catering was organised by a brand new business – Kielder Organic Meats – set up by Michelle and Colin Anderson of Dunterley Farm near Bellingham: Colin's mum, Hilda provided the culinary expertise. The tasting turned out to be a huge success with an equal number of the public favouring each of the breeds.

The Drovers' Project was set up to encourage grazing with traditional breeds of cattle on sites of nature conservation value, as well as to research and promote the history of cattle farming and droving in the National Park. After three grazing seasons the project team have been able to assess the results and provide recommendations to land managers about stocking levels and the value of traditional breeds on upland areas. Remarkable improvements in the quality of moorlands for wildlife have resulted from the project's work to date. The research results are soon to be published as a report.

A history of Droving in Northumberland National Park is also being published as a result of the project, and will be made available free of charge to libraries and local history groups throughout the County.

From NFU Online. Published on 12/06/2006

Farm Sunday is a sizzling success

With temperatures soaring this weekend, hundreds of families made for the countryside to enjoy a range of events organised as part of the first ever 'Farm Sunday'.

Activities on offer included everything from guided farm walks and tractor rides to farm demonstrations and barbeques.

The aim was to get as many people as possible out of the towns and onto a farm. Fun was very much the order of the day, but farmers were also keen to show people how food is produced and how they manage the fabulous landscape for which the region is famous.

In Northumberland, dozens of people visited Colin and Michelle Andreson, who farm at Dunterley Farm, Bellingham near Hexham. "They really enjoyed seeing our cattle, sheep and pigs," said Michelle, "and tucked into the barbeque we organised, complete with home produced organic beef and lamb.

"The feedback we got was that everyone enjoyed themselves and learned a bit about where their food comes from."