Keetch Supports Regional Meat

12.00.00am GMT Fri 2nd Feb 2001

Paul Keetch, Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Hereford, will visit Somerfield store in Ross-on-Wye tomorrow to see part of their "Regional Promise" in action. The scheme to promote locally produced foods was launched by Somerfield earlier this month, and from tomorrow local beef and lamb raised by Marches Quality Meat will be available in 20 local stores.

"This is good news for local farmers", said Mr Keetch. "We want to promote good quality traceable food and the farmers who contribute to Marches Quality Meat certainly provide that. It is good that a major supermarket chain like Somerfield are prepared to support this group of local farmers. I am very happy to have been asked to support them myself."

Marches Quality Meat was formed in 1997 by a group of farmers with the specific aim of promoting their top quality beef and lamb. They have 130 members from throughout the Marches. Paul Keetch will be at the store in Ross on Wye at 9.30am tomorrow, Saturday, February 3rd.