Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely says he is disappointed not to see more local produce on some Isle of Wight supermarket shelves and is encouraging larger chains to do more to support local farmers and food producers.
Last Summer, the Island’s MP welcomed an assurance that local produce would remain on sale at the new Tesco store in Freshwater following its takeover from the Co-op, however, says he is disappointed not to see more Island lines on the shelves since its opening last year.
Mr Seely has said:
“I want to see all supermarkets on the Island doing more to support Isle of Wight farmers and food producers.
“I am aware that some supermarkets on the Island, including Tesco, already source a number of products from local suppliers, but I think they could all do more.
“Tesco promised me last year that they would commit to carrying products from as many local businesses as possible in their new Freshwater store. I am keen to see that they deliver on that promise, and I have written to them to that effect.”
Mr Seely said choosing local suppliers supports the Island’s economy, and reduces both food miles and the need for preservatives.
He added:
“There’s plenty of high-quality local produce on the Island to choose from and I know Islanders are keen to support Island farmers and buy local where they can. It would be great to see more lines added to local supermarket shelves.”
Guess he is looking for a local 1/2 sausage.
On what basis did Tesco promise him anything?
From the man who can probably afford to shop in Harrods. Some, or maybe even most of us mere mortals, can’t afford the inflated prices wanted for local produce, so why bother? There are plenty of outlets for it for those who want or can afford it.
Too late to try and get everyone onside again now Bob. Bye, bye.
You not got a job? Upset your benefits have been stopped or something?
I am a full time carer living off my own hard earned money thanks. Benefits are for moronic abuse jockeys like you.
Then you’re fine, you have no reason to moan about a “cost of living” crisis.
For that matter, I can shop at Harrods too mate
I Would like to see more land put to productive use, my forbears would have cried to see so much land unused. On recent walks I’ve seen vast acres of grass uncut in late June, the weather’s been no excuse but I guess the decimation of dairy herds has a bearing, can we export hay ? We need something like the ‘War Ag’ back to sort it all out
Im not going to even bother to comment on what this bob bloke has to say
We have plenty of hot air out side at the moment so no need for his hot air
Maybe it would be better to ask for the supermarkets to stock stuff that used to be easily available, the other week there was a shortage of nappy sacks, pineapple juice was off the shelves for a month, sometimes dog food is in short supply. In short no point in doing a shopping list because you can never guarantee getting even the basics now.
Picks his moments, doesn’t he?
At a time when more and more people are cutting back, he is trying to encourage them to buy more expensive local products.
Typical out-of-touch Tory.
If he wants to do something practical he could look at why so much farmland is being built on when so many houses on the Island are left empty for most of the year and there are so many derelict and brownfield sites available.
The government needs to be supporting Farmers and British food producers. Stop building on green field sites.
100% YES!!
I’m keen to see Bob and the tory government keep to all their promises, and then I woke up
I would buy local all day long, but not at the prices a lot of them charge. And why there is variation in prices for the same local products across shops is another issue.
Obviously price is not a big issue for Bob.
same here, would love to buy local produce and support the Island but simply can’t afford it.
Totally small block of Isle of wight butter in Co-op £2.79 small block of Anchor or Willow £1.79 or£1.49 respectively…… Its a no brainer for most households on The Island unless your “seldom seen looking to hang onto your seat by chasing local matters. Jog on Bob what we have seen(feck all of you really) we don’t need let alone want!.
Great idea if you can afford expensive local products .There is no IOW products that is priced for low income familys ,it is aimed towards holiday makers and second homeowners. Its a shame local producers don’t start a cooperative for low incomes
Don’t forget 41,815 %56.2 of islanders voted for Bob Seely in 2019.
And?
56.2% of those who voted. Had there been a credible candidate representing unified oppostion it would have been a different story.
Well, you say ‘Islanders’. I stood in the queue at my local polling station, last election, behind a couple boasting that ours was the third constituency they would be voting in as that’s how many houses they had. They added that they wished they owned more to ‘really make a difference ‘. They made a difference alright. Poor locals without homes are really happy…
You are only allowed one vote, one constituency
In order of likelihood.
That never happened (80%)
They were winding you up (19.999%)
You actually heard a couple of genuine poll fraudsters publicly boasting about breaking the law (0.001%)
As for being the MP representing the Isle of Wight ,” half sausage” does not have a clue , Isle of Wight residents top the list for Benefit Claims across the Country , so are unable to pay out over twice the cost for local produced food and goods. Get into the real IOW , Local Produce and goods needs Subsidies to compete
Yes please. I do not understand why our fresh produce is imported when we have fantastic produce here. Forget politics and please get our Lidl Morrisons Tesco etc to help keep islanders and those who produce fabulous food LOCAL
Does he? That’s nice. Home made jam and marmalade as well, no doubt. Idiot mp.
For once I agree with Bob. Tesco said on their website they would be stocking local produce. They only seem to have a few pre-packed island tomatoes. No Isle of Wight milk ,Garlic farm stuff or Island cheese or meat. I am very disappointed.
Whst a total load of bull bags!! Mr goldenpipes as he is known, had money to buy what he wants, why would someone by island produce which is 2 maybe 3 tonnes dearer than the stuff we can already get in the supermarkets, if people wanted to buy island produce in sure they already would have, what has it for to do with him what I buy and spend my money on?? Knob end!!
More cheap headline grabbing by Bob half a Sausage, having put in absolutely no time or effort to actually do anything to get this produce into supermarkets. Has he actually spoken to any purchasing managers from any supermarket? I think not.
I’ve been saying this for ages. We produce tonnes of tomatoes, cucumbers, Chilli peppers year round on our Island. I go into Home Bargains, I find tomatoes from Morroco. Nothing wrong with them, but a few miles down the road we produce excellent produce. I emailed Home Bargains. A limp response. It’s not good enough.
Seems like you’ve actually done more than out MP. Maybe you should be our MP.
If you were talking about one of the big supermarkets with their “The Best” premium ranges then you’d have a point, but Home Bargains?
They buy and sell at rock-bottom prices to people whose primary concerns are price and value for money.
All very well, but too expensive.
Bob should concentrate on lowering fuel prices and Ferry Fares for Islanders.
If you want local produce go to the farm shops and buy it – plenty about.
The MP surely has better things to worry himself with at the moment – like whether he will actually get re elected.
Well done, ‘Call me Bob’ Seely. I want to see more local people living in actual local houses, not just crappy, damp basement flats and bed and breakfasts. Virtue signalling for him and his mates on their hollibobs who want to feel comfortable for the few weeks a year they deign to grace us with their presence. They really make my Island better. They tell me so, every single day they are here…
It’s the supermarkets who killed off our local bakers, butchers, grocers, fishmongers. Why would they now buy local produce rather than sell their own. They’ve achieved exactly what they set out to accomplish – wipe out competition.
Back to benefits again??? Not everything comes down to benefits. This story has nothing to do with the welfare system
Bob loves a local sausage.