FARMERS, food producers and retailers taking part in a pilot scheme to develop a Cotswolds Choice brand to promote produce from the area have hailed the initiative as a success.

The scheme is being developed by the Cotswolds Conservation Board, which manages the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, covering much of West Oxfordshire north of Burford, Witney and Woodstock.

More than 30 people in food-related businesses in the pilot scheme, around Stroud in Gloucestershire, joined a workshop to discuss progress and how to expand it across the Cotswolds.

The pilot project was funded by Stroud District Council.

Rural food business consultant Stephen Aiano, heading the scheme, said: “It has been marvellous how much effort everyone at the workshop put in to ensuring the Cotswolds Choice scheme will reflect the needs and interests of everyone – producers, retails and consumers alike.

“We shall all do our best to ensure a fantastic win-win outcome from this endeavour. Cotswolds Choice will be good for farmers, good for shops, good for the environment and good for local people.”

The Cotswolds Choice brand aims to recognise the high standards of environmental and landscape management of farmers and landowners in the AONB, and to help consumers choose foods produced locally.

  • Anyone interested in finding out more about the Cotswolds Choice project should contact Mr Aiano at info@rural.support or call 07798 645666.