Devon County Council

devon.gov.uk

From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, August 26, 2008

DEVON County Council has announced a three year commitment to the Devon Celebration of Food festival.

The event, which runs throughout October to promote the county's local food scene, has been sponsored by the County Council over the past couple of years, and it will now be the main partner until 2010.

Food and drink retailers, restaurants, and hotels across Devon are signing up to put on events at their own venues during the celebration which has become an important annual showcase for local growers and producers over the past seven years.

Councillor Humphrey Temperley, Devon County Council Executive Member for Strategic Planning, Regional and International Affairs, said: "We're pleased to be backing the Devon Celebration of Food again this year and by pledging our support over three years we're demonstrating our commitment not only to local produce and local communities but also to making Devon even greener for the long run. There are so many benefits to supporting Devon's food and drink industry. Buying local strengthens the local economy by supporting our producers and rural areas, and it also protects our environment by reducing food miles."

This year's celebration includes over 100 events across the county, launching officially at Darts Farm on Thursday 2 October with a Ready Steady Cook breakfast/brunch event featuring the Darts brothers and Tanner brothers. Darts Farm will also host its 'Local Food Heroes' four course meal on Thursday 9 October when producers who have helped put together the specially designed menu will talk to diners about the passion and dedication that goes into making their food and drink.

Other highlights include the inaugural North Devon Foodfest at the Barnstaple Pannier Market on Sunday 12 October, which will offer the chance to sample food from the best local restaurants and watch chef demonstrations. The National Trust has organised the Big Pick at Killerton on Sunday 5 October when everyone is invited to help harvest the apples that make Killerton's award winning cider. Combe House Hotel Master Chef Hadleigh Barrett will visit the shepherds at Blacklake Farm at Ottery St Mary on Tuesday 7 October for a talk, walk and shepherds pie. Gregg Wallace from BBC's Masterchef will be one of a number of special guests at The Seahorse in Dartmouth on Saturday 4 October, and the Ruby Country Safari on Saturday 25 October will see some of the best local food producers in North Devon open their doors to sample their produce.

There are three main themes for this year's celebration; they are Eating Out, which is sponsored by The National Trust, Shopping, sponsored by Darts Farm, and Places to Stay, jointly sponsored by Farm Cottage Holidays and North Devon +.

For more information visit: http://www.celebrationoffood.co.uk

Notes for Editors:

Councillor Humphrey Temperley, 07966 411654.

Salt Media, 01271 379888

Devon County Council is passionate about supporting local produce as part of its commitment to make Devon England's greenest county. Supporting Devon's food and drink sector is key to this, as buying local food reduces food miles and protects Devon's landscapes. It also sustains Devon's exceptional products and strengthens the local economy. The food and drink sector has been identified as one of Devon's key sectors for Devon in terms of its potential for growth. In 2005 it employed 5,631 people in 436 businesses. Devon also has more organic producers than anywhere else in the UK.

• Leader of the Council - Cllr Brian Greenslade
• Chief Executive -- Phil Norrey

• Budget £800 million
• Key investments include:
• Schools £349 million
• Adult and Community Services £164 million
• Environment, Economy and Culture £106 million
• Children and Young People £101 million

• Other important County Council support includes:
• Building programme: £185 million for new schools, roads, care services, libraries and recycling centres

• Political make-up:
• County Council seats: 62
• 33 Liberal Democrat
• 23 Conservative
• 4 Labour
• 2 Independent
• Next County Council elections: May 7, 2009

• Key stats:
• Population: 741,000
• Schools: 365
• Pupils: 96,200
• Children looked after: 584
• Adults helped to live at home: 17,622
• Residential and nursing care: 4,212 adults
• Libraries and Mobile Libraries: 61
• Roads: 12,831 kms (7,973 miles)
• Bridges: 3,500
• Public Rights of Way: 4,960 kms (3,200 miles)
• Streetlights: 71,000
• Illuminated road signs: 10,917
• Recycling Centres: 20
• Recycling rate: 49.21%

Figures may be subject to change

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