SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD ON THE MENU AT LOCAL PRODUCE SHOW

The value of sourcing sustainable seafood from the Solent will be taking centre stage at this month’s Local Produce Trade Show (30th September, Ageas Bowl, Southampton) with Tim Ferrero, Project Manager, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, giving a talk about the Great Solent Seafood project to chefs, independent retailers, hospitality owners and local producers at this important industry event.

The Great Solent Seafood project was launched at the last Local Produce Trade Show with the support of Hampshire Fare, the county food group, who are partnering this project to raise awareness of the importance of selling, buying, serving and eating local, sustainable seafood among both trade and consumer markets.

Tracy Nash, Commercial Manager, Hampshire Fare, explains, “We are working with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust on this project to highlight sustainable seafood available in the Solent. We consider this a call to action to those fishing our waters, selling seafood and serving seafood to come to this year’s Local Produce Trade Show and find out more about the project and how to choose sustainable seafood.

“The Great Solent Seafood project is being rolled out at a time when both the consumer and the food industry are increasingly aware of the need to make choices that consider the environment, which includes our coastal waters, as well as supporting our local economy.”

This project is part of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s Secrets of the Solent campaign - a four-year project supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund that aims to help safeguard the Solent.

Tracy Nash, along with John Davey, Cavendish Ship Stores, will also be hosting a special chefs’ panel discussion at the Local Produce Trade Show. This will feature top chefs from across the county including Damian Brown, Chesil Rectory; Adriano Elam, The Crown at Arford; Luke Holder, Lime Wood; Luke Matthews, Chewton Glen; Gordon Stott, The Purefoy Arms; Dave Watts, The Crown Inn, Upton; Matthew Whitfield, Montagu Arms; and Phil Yeomans, Lainston House.

Registration for the Local Produce Trade Show is available to buyers and other associated members of the food and drink industry through Business South. Alternatively contact Hampshire Fare on info@hampshirefare.co.uk for more information on the Great Solent Seafood project and the Local Produce Trade Show.

More information about Hampshire Fare and its work championing local is available on the website www.hampshirefare.co.uk.