THERE is much to commend in the Government’s newly-launched food strategy — Food 2030 — not least serious moves to encourage people to eat a healthy sustainable diet and increase efforts to cut down on food waste (my pet hate).

The report — the first of its kind in 50 years — also highlights the pressures of climate change on food production and the impact the food chain has on the environment; and it examines ways of improving research, skills and technology within the food industry.

However, I was concerned by suggestions that consumers shouldn’t insist on buying things locally because this could affect farmers in developing countries — sugarsnap peas et al from Kenya, I presume.

The new reasoning seems to be that as long as British farmers can find alternative markets for their products, then we shouldn’t worry about buying imported foodstuffs.

Once upon a time I would have bought those very same sugarsnap peas without a second thought. Now, I consider my purchases more carefully, taking into account the seasons as well as locality.

I would hate to think that we forget food miles altogether — the very fact that we do think about them must surely have been key to the success of our own thriving local food industry.

At least the Government is backing moves for clearer food labelling to show country of origin — that way consumers can make an informed choice about whether they serve their grilled chop with out of season fine green beans from the other side of the world, or some good old-fashioned green cabbage from a field just up the road.

Of course, it goes without saying that Checkout will continue to back the ‘local’ message whenever possible — the seasonal one too. And if you do buy ‘imported’, then perhaps you can purchase it from one of our many independent retailers rather than a multiple. Just a thought . . .

This week’s special offer is on whole loins of lamb (approx 12 chops) from butcher Peter Hutchinson at Greenodd (£10.50 / kilo) – the lamb is from Edmondsons at Netherhouses, near Ulverston. Peter is also doing gammons steaks at only £2 per lb.

More lamb from Kendal butchers Watson & Woollard who have plain or minted lamb shanks for sale at £6.90 per kilo (slow oven cook).

Or, if you can’t be bothered to cook the lamb yourself, what about an own-make Cumbrian lamb tattie pot from Hazelmere Bakery at Grange-over-Sands, part of the shop’s popular frozen ready meal range (£3.45, serves 2); just pop in the oven to reheat for about 40 minutes.

I love lamb with pasta so thanks to Babaganoush in Kendal for suggesting its Seggiano organic Italian dried pasta range (all shapes, from £2.50), and a scrumptious Seggiano raw basil pesto to serve with it (£5.25 a jar).

Farmhouse Breakfast Week begins on January 24 so what better way to start your day than with a bowl of steaming Watermill organic porridge oats from Little Salkeld (£2.20 per kilo), on sale at Low Sizergh Barn, which has put together a packed ‘breakfast’ display to whet your appetite. Or what about a bacon sandwich made with Allithwaite farmer Brian Jackson’s own-reared Gloucester Old Spot dry cured middle bacon (£5.40 / 500g), available at Templand Farm Shop.

In the Beelocal Foodhall (www.beelocal.co.uk) you will find Suma crunchy apricot muesli (£1.95 / 500g) and Suma nutty crunch (£1.35 / 500g).

Higginsons butchers at Grange is also getting ready for the week with a special offer on its award-winning breakfast chipolata sausages made with English pork — buy 500g for £3.49 and get a pack of own dry cured back bacon free.

If you have room for lunch after your hearty breakfast, Witherslack Community Shop (attached to the Derby Arms) is stocking freshly made sandwiches from the new Cafe590, just around the corner on the A590 bypass, as well as fresh fruit and various drinks.