Search For Stars Of The Future To Inject Excitement Into UK's Organic Industry
04.03.10A poll of 2,000 British adults out today has found that there is growing interest in where our food has come from but concern about the need to provide more sustainable practices for future generations.
Despite the fact that Bristol residents are making simple steps towards a greener lifestyle and embracing the grow your own trend (43 per cent of us now grow some of our own food), the survey from organic food brand, Seeds of Change has found that we are disillusioned by the ‘old fashioned’ agricultural industry and think not enough is being done to support the sector.
84 per cent of those surveyed in Bristol revealed that they are interested in how food is grown and 88 per cent are conscious about giving their family tasty food that is also good for them. However, over 57 per cent agree that not enough is currently being done to retain talent and excite the industry. 42 per cent of Bristol inhabitants feel we should be educating people more and 37 per cent believe training is the way forward.
The Seeds of Change survey found that 40 per cent of Bristol residents think the Government should be responsible for increased awareness whilst 49 per cent think the food industry as a whole is responsible and 26 per cent, food brands.
Today, Seeds of Change brand is getting behind this issue and looking for three future stars of the organic industry, who it will fund to take a newly created work-based diploma in Organic Horticulture Production, alongside full time employment at leading organic charity, Garden Organic. The lucky three Seeds of Change Apprentices will be some of the first people in the country to sit this Government recognised course and learn all aspects of organic horticulture, from planning through to harvesting, and tending productive and ornamental plantings.
The ‘Great Flavours, Well Grown’ campaign, sees Seeds of Change continuing its partnership with Garden Organic, who since 2008 has been the charitable recipient of Seeds of Change donations from every jar sold to support the UK organic industry.
Seeds of Change Brand Leader, Lorraine Collier comments: “We’re really proud to support the industry by funding our Seeds of Change Apprentices and hope that they will become the future stars of the organic food industry. With 88 per cent of Brits believing that vocational training is a good idea and 30 per cent of us re-evaluating our current career as a result of the economic downturn, we hope the incentive to undertake the course, whilst working at Garden Organic will be well received.”
Organic chef and supporter, Arthur Potts Dawson will also be supporting the campaign and raising awareness of the connection between well grown food and great flavours. He will be on hand to help coach the Apprentices to appreciate the taste credentials of organically grown produce.
Potts Dawson comments: “There’s nothing more important than bringing new people into the industry and educating them about the importance of growing nutritious organic food. I’m really passionate about supporting the ‘Great Flavours, Well Grown’ campaign and working with the Seeds of Change Apprentices as they go on their journey to learn about great tasting food.”
For more information on the campaign and how to apply to be a Seeds of Change Apprentice visit www.seedsofchange.co.uk or www.gardenorganic.org.uk between 1st and 26th March.
