• Animal welfare requires that animals live in as natural an environment as possible, receive their natural diet, are subjected to minimum medication and are slaughtered with the minimum of distress. Livestock and poultry reared in this way will also be healthier for the consumers. We will avoid products from intensively reared animals and favour those raised and maintained in more natural conditions.
• Fairtrade is an independent consumer label which guarantees that disadvantaged producers in the developing world are getting a better deal than if selling through the usual commercial channels. We will give preference to Fairtrade produce.
• Food additives natural and artificial, are generally found in higher concentrations the more processed the product. We will keep the use of processed foods to the minimum and avoid where possible those with high levels of added sugar and salt and those artificial additives that are known to have adverse affects on some people.
• Food miles concerns the distance food is transported and how it is moved. Airfreight between continents is common and, according to a recent Defra report, 25% of all HGV kilometres in the UK involves the transport of food. We will minimise the use of long-haul food.
• Local food is that which is sourced as near as possible to the point of consumption, minimising the need for transport, maximising the prospect of receiving fresh produce, creating a market for local producers and benefiting the local economy. Local producers also need a fair deal to ensure that they and their employees can make a reasonable living. Using local food also means recognising and working with the seasonal availability of different foods. Local food will generally be preferred and we will encourage local production. (Local means the nearest available producer).
• Organic produce is legally defined. It severely restricts the use of artificial chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Instead, organic farmers rely on developing a healthy, fertile soil and growing a mixture of crops. Animals are reared without the routine use of drugs, antibiotics and wormers common in intensive livestock farming. Organic produce is increasingly available but can involve high levels of food miles and high purchase costs. We will use organic produce when it is readily available, affordable and does not contribute excessively to food miles.

PRACTICABILITY / GWEITHIADWRIAETH

The sustainability issues outlined above have to be considered in terms of their practicability. Four factors are weighed when making purchasing choices:

• Conflicting preferences may mean that one factor works against another. For example, organic produce may be considered healthy but involve air transport from the developing world and with no guarantee of a fair deal for producers and employees. Fairtrade may offer no guarantee as to the use of herbicides and pesticides but does ensure a fair return to producers and their workers.
• Availability of supplies may mean that the preferred produce is not available at certain times, especially when there is a preference for local and seasonal food.
• Product quality can vary greatly and we will not use poor quality produce even if it is in a preferred category.
• Cost is key consideration in terms of economic sustainability. We will not regularly purchase items if the cost requires an increase in charges that is not economically viable.

TRIGONOS PRODUCE / CYNNYRCH TRIGONOS

We grow a variety of vegetables, salads and fruits on our own land for use in the Trigonos kitchen and for sale to local people. All produce is grown using organic and biodynamic principles We are not, however, a registered organic producer but are members of the Wholesome Food Association whose guiding principles we support:

• Wholesome food is grown and processed using sustainable, non-polluting methods as close as possible to those found in nature.
• Wholesome food is, wherever possible, traded and consumed within a short distance of where it was grown.
• Wholesome food is an integral part of life and community, rather than merely a commodity for profit.

Trigonos’ policy on food has a clear sense of direction and is constantly evolving. This allows us to take account of the changes around us, from the local to the global. We welcome comment and contributions to help with the continuing development of our food policy and practice.