Patricia Crawford reports
Harvest was early this year but arable yields were down and, although generally speaking it’s too soon for consumers to be aware of the knock-on consequences, we should expect shortages of some foods and prices (further exacerbated by problems in the Middle East) to rise. Grass growth is severely restricted and this is forcing dairy and other farmers who keep stock to begin feeding reserves stored for the winter. Straw will be in short supply, serious for livestock farmers, equestrian yards and other animal-related enterprises,
The Kentish Cobnut, one crop that is very special to our county, has been grown in the Ightham and Plaxtol area for a very long time and it is an important part of our rural identity. Harvested in late summer through to early autumn, the seasonal workers used to be known as ‘nutters’. (Cobnuts can be bought direct from local growers, information via Google.)
Date for diary: 5 and 6 September, 11am – 6pm. Tonbridge Food and Drink Festival, Tonbridge Racecourse, New Wharf Road, TN9. 70-plus stallholders. Suitable for people of all ages. Admission free.
This month’s jargon buster: biofuels. Unlike fossil fuels, biofuels are made from materials that can be grown again and are thus a renewable source of energy. Examples: biogas from the processing of silage, food waste or manure. The process involved is called anaerobic digestion.