Where the British Isles was once virtually self sufficient in food production we are now witnessing a slow, managed reduction (destruction) of farming in this country, by various  forces. 

Many of our farmers have tended their land and animals for generations, taking pride in the quality of the food they produce and as custodians of the countryside for the benefit of all. 

That situation has been silently changing over recent years and has resulted in a reduced number of farmers as they can no longer make a reasonable living. As a result we are forced to import food from far away places at great cost to the consumer. 

Any substance that people eat or drink that consists of protein, fat and carbohydrates which is used in the body to sustain growth and vital processes, to repair tissues and furnish energy. 

If we look at the food the population ate less than a generation ago, we would see a very different picture. For the most part food production (vegetables, fruit, meat, fish and grains) took place in and around the British Isles without the need for importing from far away places. Most importantly vegetables and fruit were available in the right season. Meals were 

prepared and cooked from recognisable ingredients and nothing came wrapped in plastic! 

Sadly much of our ‘food ‘ production has been taken over by those who have less interest in providing the best quality nutrition but are more interested in profit margins. Massive 

corporate ‘food’ producers supply highly processed products such as ready meals which just need a quick blast in a microwave before serving! 

Reading the list of ingredients of processed foods gives cause for concern - a mixture of chemicals, colours and artificial flavourings, together with a sprinkling of ‘e numbers’. e numbers used in food production have been approved by the Foods Standards Agency but that does not mean they are not harmful to our health, eg. e104 Quinoline Yellow - some authorities suspect that ingesting this colouring agent may contribute to the symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder and Hyperactivity (ADHD) in children. 

The ubiquitous use of sugar in many processed foods has been causing concern over recent years. Sugar, (which has been described as ‘pure white and deadly’)* is reputed to be addictive for some. Products such as breakfast cereals, snacks bars energy bars, and soft drinks contain considerable amounts of sugar and when taken regularly by people of all ages it can contribute to weight gain, obesity and diabetes. 

There seems to be a disconnect with many people that the food they eat has a direct and sometimes immediate effect on their health. 

Fortunately, many farmers and growers are returning to organic methods of food production. Others say that whilst not totally organic they avoid the use of toxic chemicals. 

Fresh, organically grown fruit and vegetables together with meat, fish and bread is available to buy at regularly held Farmers’ Markets or even at the farmer’s gate. 

The Community Assembly of Crediton data base provides information and links to local producers.  Go to Local Organic Farmers (Crediton)

Further Reading

Pure White and Deadly’ by Prof John Yudkin Prof. of Nutrition Queen Elizabeth College, London.