Last updated at 10:38, Thursday, 14 February 2013

• Related article: More pictures and all the Tweets from Cumbria Day

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 Prime Minister David Cameron has praised Cumbrian food producers and urged the public to shop local in the wake of the horse meat scandal.

Mr Cameron met a range of Cumbria's finest food producers at the first ever Cumbria Day event at the House of Commons today, telling Cartmel Sticky Toffee pudding producers that his children were big fans and have a swift sample of Hardknott Brewery's IPA beer.

He told the guests packed into the event at the House of Commons: "At a time when people are worried about 'What's in the food I buy - is it what it says on the tin?' it's momentous for local producers to say 'You can be sure'.

"This week of all weeks when there is so much concern about food quality and labelling this is a welcome opportunity for local producers and retailers to step forward and say we really do focus on quality."

And he spoke of his love for Cumbria and swimming in its Lakes: "I have a guilty secret - every year since being prime minister I tell myself that I have to get to Cumbria and swim in one of the lakes.

"So far I have managed it."

Later he tweeted: "Just visited #cumbriaday event at parliament to promote tourism in this beautiful area. Brings back happy memories of swimming in Ullswater."

The verdict from Cumbrians at the event:

Richard Greenwood, Head of Policy & Research, Cumbria Tourism: “Food, drink and agriculture is vital to our visitor economy. Recent research showed that £429m was spent by visitors to Cumbria on food and drink in 2011 - the highest spend of any other tourism activity in the county, even accommodation. Our producers work with our stunning landscape to create amazing and award winning produce, some of which we're proud to be showing off today."

Ian Bradley from Coniston Brewery, whose beer ‘No.9 Barley Wine’ has been crowned the 'Best Beer' in Britain said: "It's vitally important that we shout loud about the quality of produce in Cumbria. We produce some of the best food and drink in the UK, and the small sample of food and drink here today goes to show the high quality of what Cumbria has to offer."

Philip Cranston, MD of Cranstons, said: ‘Cranstons stock a wide range of locally-sourced meats, and the produce served to MPs and dignitaries today represents what farmers in Cumbria are known for – exceptional quality and superior taste.’

 

First published at 15:03, Wednesday, 13 February 2013
Published by http://www.in-cumbria.com