Celebrity chef Kevin Woodford is backing the Forum of Private Business (FPB) campaign to support businesses by sourcing local food supplies is vital for the future health of the UK's economy.
"There is a whole range of reasons why we need to suppo
rt local businesses," he said.
"There is an ethical, political, social and moral responsibility to support businesses in our local areas. If we don't, we run the risk of there being no locally-produced ingredients to use at all."
The FPB is highlighting figures provided by Lantra, the Sector Skills Council, which suggests that the British farmer could be a thing of the past by 2035, should the current trend of 15,900 workers per year leaving the industry be allowed to continue.
Kevin added: "I've a serious objection to using ingredients that have had to endure miles of travel.
"I know how I feel when I have experienced transatlantic travel – the last thing I want to do is use strawberries from California when I can get really good quality English strawberries.
"I want to be able to trace where my ingredients come from, for my family and for my customers.
"I am totally behind the FPB's campaign to support local businesses, and wish it good luck."
