BBC2 put the spotlight on Frome Food Assembly

Story posted on July 14, 2015

l-r, Amanda from Bioaqua Farm and BBC ‘Harvest’ presenter Philippa Forrester.

A camera crew  from BBC 2’s ‘Harvest’ programme put the spotlight on the latest Frome Food Assembly last week. TV presenter Philippa Forrester and her team were there to film one of the assembly’s producers, Bioaqua Farm. 

Local producers laid on a sampling extravaganza as part of the Frome Food Assembly, which was held  on 8th July.

“There was a real buzz as customers were handed their Bioaqua produce by BBC ‘Harvest’ presenter Philippa Forrester, and filmed as she chatted to them about their order, and their reasons for shopping locally,” said co-host Pia McGee. “There was a great atmosphere. All of our producers had really gone to town with free samples – and our customers certainly seemed to enjoy themselves! We were also delighted to welcome four new producers to keep growing the range of food that our assembly can offer.”

Co-host Lindsay Downes added, “We have had numerous requests for raw milk and are pleased that we can finally provide this, courtesy of Hurdlebrook Dairy in addition to their range of yoghurts, and we are particularly proud that one of our customers, Pavla Kislerova, liked the Food Assembly concept so much that she has started to supply us with her amazing Hej Gro preserves and products from locally foraged ingredients.

“We also have Buckland Venison whose charcuterie is made from wild roe deer shot within a 10 mile radius of Buckland Dinham, and Somerset wine, beer and cider are now on offer from Frome based company More Wine.”

The Frome Food Assembly now has over 700 members since its launch in December 2014, and is the largest Food Assembly in the UK.

Best described as a ‘click and collect’ farmers’ market the Food Assembly initiative recently won the prestigious Radio 4 Food and Farming Award for ‘Best New Food Initiative’.

The BBC ‘Harvest’ programme featuring the Food Assembly is scheduled for transmission this autumn. To join the local food revolution (for free), visit thefoodassembly.com/en/assemblies/164