British Agriculture In Spotlight At Meon Valley Farm Shop

Westlands Farm Shop, near Wickham, is celebrating British Food Fortnight by shining a light on British farming, local producers, and the importance of supporting small businesses.

British Food Fortnight will run from 26th September to 12th October 2025. It is an annual celebration that encourages consumers across the UK to discover and support local food producers, farmers, and retailers.

For shoppers, British Food Fortnight offers an opportunity to explore seasonal produce at its peak and make purchasing decisions that directly support their local community and reduce environmental impact through shorter supply chains.

Founded in 2001, Westlands Farm Shop became a hub for local food as farmers’ markets began to decline. The shop gives small producers a platform and nurtures supply chains across Hampshire.

The shop champions local produce and supports small supply chains year-round with more than half of its suppliers based within a 40-mile radius.

Owner and farmer Graham Collett said:

“Local food is vital. It supports jobs, keeps money in the local economy, and provides higher-quality produce with fewer food miles."

“Farming isn’t just about supermarkets and large factory farms. The majority of farms are family businesses, continually working, innovating, and adapting. Supporting them makes a real difference, with positive ripples across the whole community.”

British Food Fortnight, founded by Love British Food, highlights the environmental and economic benefits of shopping locally. Reducing food miles cuts down on fossil fuels, while supporting small businesses keeps money circulating closer to home.

The initiative comes at a crucial time when many small food businesses and family farms face ongoing challenges, making consumer support more vital than ever for sustaining Britain's diverse food heritage and rural economies.

According to the Federation of Small Businesses, for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business, 63p is re-spent in the local area. Westlands Farm Shop reinvests 50 per cent of its annual revenue into local supply chains every year.

This year, Westlands Farm Shop has invited customers to celebrate British Food Fortnight by exploring Hampshire’s finest seasonal produce, meeting the team behind the shop, and learning more about the family farms and food producers that help keep local food thriving.

Photo 1: As farmers' markets declined, Westlands Farm Shop became a hub for small businesses and now runs its own annual Food Fare.

Photo 2: Many family farms are facing ongoing challenges, making consumer support more vital than ever for sustaining Britain's diverse food heritage.

Photo 3: Westlands Farm Shop champions British agriculture year round with educational events like its Lambing Days.