AMBITIOUS new plans from the Cornish Guild of Smallholders could see a local produce and environmental centre in the Tamar Valley. The guild wants to create a focal point for local produce in South East Cornwall and is currently investigating a site in the valley. A broad range of services would be provided by the centre, including business guidance for new and existing local produce companies, support for GP surgeries and schools in their work on healthy eating and training facilities for the local community in partnership with Duchy College, which is based at Stoke Climsland. The site would also provide an outlet for local producers to promote locally produced food and crafts plus a cafe serving locally grown food. Joy Cheeseman, chairperson for the Cornish Guild of Smallholders, said: We want to create a focal point for local produce in South East Cornwall. ?The success of farmers? markets proves that people in the area have a strong interest in local food, and we want to build on that in a way that will benefit both consumers and producers. ?Farmers? markets and similar outlets can be pivotal to the growth of local small producers in many ways. This has been proven with Lostwithiel Farmers Market, which has offered high levels of support to its members over the years and will continue to do so once the new centre is up and running.? With good advice, the sky?s the limit, said Mrs Cheeseman, even for fledgling local produce businesses. One new small business the guild supported currently supplies ricotta cheese to Jamie Oliver?s Fifteen restaurant in Newquay. The new centre would also be used build links between producers and the community. School visits would give local children the chance to learn about where their food comes from and the importance of biodiversity, allowing them to make informed choices about what they eat. The guild is being supported by Caradon District Council, which is also assisting with business plans and grant searches for the centre. Councillor Roger Philp, Caradon?s farming ambassador said: ?The centre has huge potential to help launch new local produce businesses and provide real choice for shoppers who want to buy local. ? It?s an exciting development and one which will put South East Cornwall firmly on the map in terms of high quality local produce.?
