A short and sweet week for British food: the first Kentish cherries are in, the asparagus knives have been put away for another year, and the government has laid out a long-term vision with good soil at its heart. Here are five stories worth a moment over the weekend.
Kentish cherries land early — and the growers are smiling
The British cherry season has come in ahead of schedule, with picking under way at Mansfields' Norton Cherries in Kent from 17 June after May's warm spell ripened the crop early. Growers are reporting an "excellent" start — firm, glossy fruit up to 34mm across — and reckon the season should run comfortably into early August. It's the cue for farm shops to put home-grown cherries front and centre while they're at their sweetest. Remember, in my book a cherry is not a berry...so they're okay!
Source: fruitnet.com
Last spears: British asparagus bows out for another year
Midsummer's Day marks the traditional close of the English asparagus season, and on 21 June growers across the country downed knives for 2026. The eight-week window — from St George's Day to the solstice — is kept deliberately short so the crowns can build up their reserves for next spring. If you spotted home-grown spears at your local farm shop this past week, they were very likely the last of the crop. Its a shame the season has drawn to an end. On the plus side...at least your pee won't smell quite so strong now its off the menu...
Source: britishasparagus.com
Soil takes centre stage in the government's new farming blueprint
The government has unveiled "Farming Roadmap 2050: Growing England's Future," setting out a long-term vision built around nature-based solutions such as healthier soils and better water management. The Soil Association welcomed the focus on soil as farmers' "best defence" against extreme weather, while pressing for an Organic Action Plan for England and firmer targets to wean farming off synthetic inputs. Lets face it, as my Mother will no doubt tell me, it it's not exciting this and I'm not going to pretend it is...but its one to keep an eye on for anyone who cares where their food comes from and how it's grown and that's why we're here after all!
Source: hortnews.com
A Kent farm shop bets on its butchery
Silcocks Farm Shop and Cafe near Tenterden — run by the Fenton family for more than two decades — has lodged plans to expand, adding a new kitchen so its long-standing butchery counter can grow into the freed-up space. Farm manager Matt Britton struck an optimistic note despite the well-documented pressures on farm shops and cafes, crediting a loyal local following who "understand the importance of supporting local businesses." A small but heartening show of confidence in independent food retail.
Source: kentonline.co.uk
Shrewsbury throws open the gates to independent producers
The Shrewsbury Food Festival returned to the town's Quarry park this weekend (27–28 June), gathering independent producers, street-food stalls, chef demos and a strong showing of regional drink. Now a fixture of the early-summer calendar, it's exactly the kind of event where small Shropshire and Marches makers meet new customers face to face — and a good reminder of how much character there is in the local food scene. It's already happened clearly...but fear not we'll be putting together a list of all UPCOMING events and publishing that here in Good Food News later this week.
Source: shrewsburyfoodfestival.co.uk