24 September 2012
Food and farming is Britain’s number one manufacturing industry and Norfolk is one of England’s premier farming counties, which is why I am passionate about promoting the huge diversity of local food we have to offer. Through supporting events such as the Norfolk Food Festival in Westminster and by taking up the 'Buy Local Challenge' in August, I have actively championed Norfolk's produce both within my constituency and in Parliament. That is why I took great pleasure on Saturday in being able to visit Ash Farm Organics in Bintree, to see first-hand some of the fantastic meat and groceries that are being produced by our local farmers.

Ash Farm Organics opened a shop in its farmyard to sell its organic products in 1999 and regularly invites the public in for guided tours like the one I took part in or Saturday. It was a great opportunity to see the special quality of the farm's produce, from organic pork chops, to eggs, to corn on the cob. Such local producers are an essential part of maintaining a vibrant rural economy, which is why I continue to advertise and support local farmers and their produce through my work in Parliament.

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For more information about Ash Farm Organics visit their website

For more information on buying local Norfolk produce click here or follow @BuyLocalNorfolk on Twitter

Click here to find out how I got on with the 'Buy Local Challenge'.