A LEDBURY landlord is backing a scheme to get local food producers and customers talking about quality produce.

Andy Ward, landlord of the Talbot Inn in New Street and one of the founders of the Local To Ledbury initiative, is backing a new national project called Mapping Local Food.

By interviewing traders, suppliers and consumers it is hoped the scheme will catalogue how local produce boosts trade and quality in the area.

It is hoped the mapping project will help create a ‘food web’ for Ledbury, which will show how trade links are benefiting the local economy.

Mr Ward said taking part could boost townspeople’s own efforts to bring people to Ledbury to sample the quality produce on offer.

He added: “We are very excited that Ledbury is involved in this project.

“We are surrounded by some of the finest food and drink in the country, but much of it lies undiscovered on our doorstep.

“This project will complement existing work happening in the town to promote local food and help to raise the profile of the town.”

The scheme is being run by the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) to highlight the work of local producers and get people talking about the benefits of local supply and demand.

Rachel Harries, CPRE’s regional project co-ordinator said the town was “at the heart” of the Three Counties bread basket “and it is perfectly situated to make the most of local food”.

“Getting the community involved and making the most of people’s local knowledge are central to the project.

“We hope that people from all walks of life will take part.”

A public meeting will be held on Thursday, June 4, at 6pm at Burgage Hall, in Church Lane, Ledbury, to recruit volunteers for the team who will go on to speak to growers, traders and residents.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the project is also welcome.

The launch comes as the Worcester News Buy Local campaign continues apace, encouraging readers to back their independent traders and help them stave off the recession.

So far dozens of our Buy Local, Buy Here posters have gone up in shop windows across Worcestershire since our campaign launched in April.

Features in your Worcester News have highlighted the variety of local traders ready and willing to offer great value and personal service, whether it comes to food shopping, clothes or household goods.

Catch up with our reports online at worcesternews.co.uk/buylocal.

And there is still time to help us compile a complete list of the very best in the business with your recommendations.

Fill in the form in tomorrow's paper, telling us where you shop local and the reasons why, or have your say via this website.