The Bristol Food Revolution: How Local Farming is Changing the Way We Eat
Eat clean, support local.
Bristol's always been a bit different, hasn't it? From Banksy to Massive Attack, we've never been afraid to do things our own way. Now, our city's leading another revolution - this time, it's all about food.
The Roots of Change
Back in 1978, when Radford Mill Farm first started growing organic veg, people thought we were a bit bonkers. Organic farming? In an era when chemicals and mass production were considered the future? But sometimes, being ahead of the curve means standing your ground.
"When we started, organic wasn't trendy - it was just the right thing to do," says Tom Richards, whose family has farmed at Radford Mill for three generations. "Now, 45 years later, it turns out we might have been onto something."
Bristol's Food Scene: Then and Now
Remember when 'eating local' meant a trip to Tesco Express? Those days are long gone. Bristol's now home to:
- Over 35 independent farmers' markets
- More than 2,500 allotments
- 8 community farms
- Dozens of organic producers
But it's not just about the numbers. It's about a fundamental shift in how Bristolians think about their food.
The Real Cost of Cheap Food
Here's something to chew on: that £1 bag of supermarket carrots? It's travelled an average of 1,500 miles to reach your plate. The real costs are hidden:
- 5.8 billion plastic bags used annually in UK supermarkets
- 30% of supermarket veg never leaves the shelf due to cosmetic standards
- Massive carbon footprint from transportation and refrigeration
The Local Difference
When you choose local, something magical happens:
- Food travels metres, not miles
- Produce is harvested at peak ripeness
- Seasonal eating becomes second nature
- Money stays in the local economy
Bristol's Food Warriors
Meet some of the legends leading the charge:
The Markets
From St. Nicholas Market to the Tobacco Factory, local producers are bringing the farm to the city.
The Restaurants
Chefs like Josh Eggleton and Freddy Bird have built their menus around local, seasonal produce.
The Community
Bristol Food Network has connected thousands of residents with local food initiatives.
The Numbers Don't Lie
Since 2019:
- 45% increase in local veg box subscriptions
- 60% more Bristolians growing their own food
- 30% reduction in food miles for participating households
Looking Forward
Bristol's aiming to be a Gold Sustainable Food City, and we're well on our way. But the real revolution? It's happening in kitchens across the city, one meal at a time.
The Weekly Revolution
Every time you unpack a local veg box, you're part of something bigger. You're:
- Supporting local farmers
- Reducing food miles
- Fighting food waste
- Building food security
- Keeping Bristol's food culture alive and kicking
Be Part of the Change
Want to join Bristol's food revolution? Here's how:
- Switch to a local veg box (we might know a good one 😉)
- Visit farmers' markets
- Start growing your own (even if it's just some windowsill herbs)
- Ask restaurants about their sourcing
- Share your food story
The Future is Local
As Tom from Radford Mill often says, "The future of food isn't about fancy technology or lab-grown veg. It's about getting back to basics - good soil, careful growing, and connecting people with their food."

Bristol's food revolution isn't just about what we eat. It's about who we are as a city. It's about taking control of our food system, supporting our neighbours, and building a more resilient community.
Ready to join the revolution? Your veg box is waiting.
