MULHOLLAND APPLAUDS ARRIVAL OF FOOD MAPPING IN OTLEY

12.31.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 1st Jun 2009

Greg Mulholland MP for Leeds North West congratulates the new initiative of "Food Mapping" which is soon to be launched in Otley. The project, coordinated by the Campaign to Protect Rural England, aims to engage the skills and knowledge of local people in order to research the social, economic and environmental impacts of local 'foodwebs'.

'Foodweb' is the name given to the collection of paths through which food travels from the producer to the dinner table. As part of the campaign, volunteers will help to map out these paths through interviewing Otley food producers, shopkeepers and shoppers.

Commenting, Greg said;

"Food mapping is a great way of helping the local community understand more about how the food market works in their area.

The scheme will encourage residents and business to buy local produce, which boosts the regional economy and protects the distinctive local character of Otley, ensuring we don't become just another 'clone' town full of chain stores and supermarkets.

The project will promote sustainable local food production, which is good for the environment and good for shoppers, providing fresh, affordable and high quality food."