Discussion Paper: A new local / organic produce depot for London?
Exploring the possibility of more collaborative supply from local / organic producers to community outlets in London
>Download the Discussion Paper: A new local / organic produce depot for London? 
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>Complete the online survey on local / sustainable produce depot for London proposals
East Anglia Food Link is working, under the Making Local Food Work programme, to support and develop supply chains providing local food to community food outlets in London.
Early discussions with a number of producers and outlets suggest that a new local / organic produce depot (many might call this a hub!) might fulfil a number of needs: particularly in providing viable access to London markets for producers (regional, peri-urban and urban) and ready access to local food for even the smallest community outlets.
The paper discusses how such a depot might be shaped, developed and operated, and the benefits it might bring. It builds on an earlier proposal for a London-wide food buying co-op, by Josiah Meldrum, then working for Eostre Organics, in July 2007.
We propose these ideas tentatively: it is essential that any initiative of this kind is shaped by the needs and ambitions of the producers and outlets it will serve. Ideally, ownership and control of any depot would ultimately be vested with these participants.
We intend to hold a symposium on these ideas in Spring 2009, but would appreciate any thoughts or comments in the meantime. Please complete the online survey or email nick[at]eafl.org
