The document summarizes discussions from two workshops at an event focused on making local food a reality in the South West of England. Workshop participants identified key issues like public ignorance around local seasonal food, the need for education, and creating a level playing field for local producers to compete with globalized cheap food. They also suggested expanding the fair trade concept to include local producers and addressing public perception challenges. The goal was to brainstorm how to better support and develop local food markets to benefit both local residents and tourists in the region.

1. Making Local Food a Reality – (Event 1)
Event 1: Monday 16 June 2008, Sandy Park, Exeter
Introduction:
Two discussion sessions of 50 minutes each were each attended by 10 conference
delegates. Each of the two groups was asked to consider the issues that confronted
them in making local food a reality in the South West of England and to suggest the
steps they felt would bring local food to the attention of more of the people who live in
the South West of England and tourists who visit the region; i.e. how they would like
to see markets for local produce being supported and further developed.
First Workshop
Group 1
First Discussion
Blue text indicates an item that the group felt was particularly important
Issues:
Fair trade concept to include home producers
Public ignorance [about local seasonal food, the benefits, what it is and where to get it]
Public perception
Education
Level playing field [needs to exist]
GM Crops
Competition w