Revealed: how many of us really buy British-grown food

Do you know where to buy seasonal British produce in your local area?

A survey conducted this week by Certas Energy has revealed that 77% of people are unaware of how much food is imported into the UK. The survey showed that four out of five people would like to support British agriculture, but have no idea where to start. Three-quarters of people admitted that they didn't know how commercial farming operates.

While overall 86% of Brits claimed that they actively try to purchase British-grown produce, Norwich (90%) and Glasgow (88%) came out on top as the most active buyers of produce from home soil. Sheffield (39%) and Birmingham (34%) showed the least local and seasonal purchasing.

local vegetables
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When quizzed about their knowledge of seasonal produce, only 13% knew that butternut squash is in season during autumn, while just one in ten knew that peas are a spring vegetable. More than half of people (55%) believed that garlic is grown all year round, despite it being seasonal in summer, and only 16% of people knew that kale and leeks are grown in winter.

Sheffield and Nottingham fared worst with their fruit and veg knowledge, while Southampton and Norwich did best. The fruit and vegetables that most respondents guessed correctly were onions (55%) and mushrooms (62%), which are grown all year round.

buying local produce
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Inspired to make a change? Take a look at our ultimate guide to cooking with vegetables, learn how you can use leftover veg and decide whether to buy and eat organic.

Top 10 cities where people actively buy British produce:

10. London - 79%

9. Southampton - 79%

8. Manchester - 81%

7. Bristol - 82%

6. Liverpool - 83%

5. Edinburgh - 83%

4. Cardiff - 84%

3. Nottingham - 84%

2. Glasgow - 88%

1. Norwich - 90%

Certas Energy is a fuel and oil-based heating systems provider for agriculture. The research was conducted to support the Certas Energy Cook Book, which showcases a selection of dishes cooked using local produce.