TV hill farmer Gareth Wyn Jones will be issuing a rallying cry to support local food producers in North East Wales.
The star of BBC One Wales’ The Hill Farm documentary will also be calling for better networking between food suppliers and producers.
He will be one of the star attractions of Denbighshire Business Month that’s being organised to promote the county as a foodie heaven and a great place to do business.
Father-of-three Gareth, from Llanfairfechan, will be speaking at the A Taste for Local event being organised by Denbighshire County Council.
Anybody wanting to attend the event at the Royal International Pavilion in Llangollen on Wednesday, March 9, can do so via the website Denbighshire.gov.uk/marchforbusiness
Denbighshire’s March for Business events run from March 2 to March 22 and the Taste for Local forum will be dedicated to food and drink, giving those in the hospitality and tourism industry a chance to mingle with some of the county’s best local producers.
Gareth’s most recent series, The Farmer and the Food Chain, focused on buying locally and now he is encouraging people to do their bit to keep money in the local economy.
He said: “We’ve got some of the best produce in the world here in Wales, but as a country I don’t think we do enough to show it off.
“I want to see a system where a small farm can make a decent living selling local produce locally.
“By supplying this food better locally, then more money stays in the area, he said: “But it’s up to us to work together to do that and lift the industry.”
“My message is that we have the produce here, and if we want to keep local producers, then local businesses have got to support them,” he said.
Carolyn Brindle, Denbighshire council’s lead officer for Business Support and Local Growth, said by embracing local produce, restaurants could make their businesses distinctive.
“If a place wants to be chosen as a destination then it has to have a unique and distinct offer,” she said.
“Everything from edible flowers, through to bread, beer, meat, ice cream, cider, cheese, whole food bars and much, much more is made in Denbighshire.”
Carolyn said March for Business month was designed to help businesses help themselves.
“It features a mixture of speakers, workshops, one-to-one advice and networking covering subjects such as HR and employment and social media over the course of the month,” she said.
“One particular focus is on promoting our food and drink offer.
“We have a number of great producers in the county and we would like to see more B&Bs, retail and hotels using this produce when they refresh their menus, for example.”
“A Taste for Local” will start at 10.30am and finish at 1.30pm, at Llangollen’s Royal International Pavilion, on Wednesday March 9.
People wanting to attend can book their place at Denbighshire.gov.uk/marchforbusiness
or ring Janet Turner on 01824 706896. Places are free but space is limited.
