22 July 2008, 15:28 PM
  • The economy is suffering a downturn and fuel prices are higher than ever, so it's no surprise that local, seasonal food is the cheapest option for cash-strapped consumers. Now, one farm shop down in Cornwall has thought up an ingenious way to give its customers tasty local veg even in the winter.

“This year our vegetable sales have gone mad,” says Andy Martin at Purely Cornish Farm Shop. “We are selling far more than ever did before and I think that’s because we are in a tiny village and people don’t want to pay the price of fuel to drive to the supermarket which is eight miles away. Our shop is really accessible for them.” 

With veg bringing in a large amounts of sales, Mr Martin explains that he’s keen to be smart and secure continued success during the winter months. “Right now we have broad beans and runner beans coming out of our ears and what we want to do is encourage local people to take them off us, get them ready for freezing and bringing them back here for us to sell during the winter when they’re out of season.” He explains that they will come to some arrangement to cover costs.

“I think even the supermarkets are going to struggle to maintain their prices out of season. I know the seasons are getting longer but even so, they aren’t going to be able to get greens from abroad out of season at the prices they want. However, some vegetables sell really well and it would be great to offer local, seasonal frozen veg during the rest of the year, when all we’ll have to offer that’s fresh is swede and turnips!”

Although Mr Martin and his team doesn’t have the time to prepare the vegetables themselves, he’s hoping locals will get on board and see the benefits of being able to eat local, all year round.