CONNECTING FARMERS W/CONSUMERS TO CONSERVE

Many in the Peak Oil and Sustainability movements point out that when fossil fuels become harder to get and more expensive, eating habits will have to change. Here is a peek at how those eating habits can change for the better and a glimmer of hope for a more sustainable future.

Website aims to reduce farmers’ carbon emissions
Warwick Ashford, 18 September 2007 (Computer Weekly)

WHO
David and Sue Tucker, IT talent and founders of Farms Direct; Mark Tutton, producer, free-range pork products

At FarmsDirect, you click on the county where you live and a list of local food producers comes up with supply and contact information. (click to enlarge)

WHAT
Farms Direct is a website that lists farmers by location so that consumers can obtain their food directly from local producers, cutting back on the energy consumed and emissions created in food’s transport to market.

WHEN
Farms Direct launched in June 2007.

WHERE
- Farms Direct was started by a Somerset, UK, couple to serve the UK.
- Tutton’s pork production center is near Kingsbury Episcopi in Somerset.

WHY
- When the cost of transport fuel becomes high enough, importing foods will be too expensive for consumers. Especially when they are paying the same high prices for energy in all other aspects of their lives. Eating habits will necessarily change. But how?
- Farms Direct now lists 250 members and has had thousands of visitors.
- For 12 pounds ($24)/year, farmers are listed and assisted with presentation.




QUOTES
- David Tucker: "We put the website together very quickly, and begun building the database of farmers to enable consumers to source food that is local, traceable, natural, fresh and eco-friendly with a negligible carbon footprint…This is not about making money. We are semi-retired and so are in a position to be able to give our time, and some investment, into something that will hopefully benefit the environment and an industry that so deserves everyone's support…"
- Tutton: "We have seen additional trade and interest, but it would be impossible to know how much at this early stage…"