A NEW campaign is being launched to encourage Islanders to try something new and eat local produce.

The Let's Buy Local project is being launched today, Monday, June 1, and is aiming to get Island residents to eat and drink some of the high quality goodies that is grown and made on our doorsteps.

Backed by Island farmers and producers, who have kept us fed and watered over the coronavirus lockdown, Natural Enterprise is funding the campaign.

The economic and environmental charity is a collaboration between Wight Marque, from The Royal Isle of Wight Agricultural Society, and Wordsandstuff.co.uk, a creative agency based in Ventnor.

Graham Biss, managing director of Natural Enterprise, said: “We are so lucky here on the Island — our local produce is world class and Islanders get their pick before anyone else. This means we get to eat the tastiest fruit and veg, the freshest seafood and the most succulent meat.

"There are also so many artisan producers, who are really passionate about their creations.

"Our challenge to you is to ‘try something new’ — try an Island product you have never had before. Just do it once a week, and you will soon be hooked.

"You will be treating your tastebuds, and helping local businesses too. So step up to the plate - your Island needs you!”

Through Wight Marque’s Facebook page, Islanders will be offered the chance to review products, try samples, get discounts, and share tips about any new discoveries.

Vanessa Langley, project co-ordinator for Wight Marque, said: "Let’s eat for our Island — I am really excited about trying one new product a week, and can’t wait to hear how everyone gets on.”

Dan Burgess, who runs the I.O.W Espresso Company and Caffé Isola in Newport, has urged everyone to give it a go, saying: “You won’t just be buying a lovely cup of coffee or a packet of tea – you will be helping local businesses to stay afloat and keeping the money going around the Island.

Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight,Susie Sheldon, is one of the many local figures supporting the campaign.

"What makes Island produce so special is the enthusiasm and the passion of the people who produce it," she said.

"So many of our local businesses have made a huge effort for us during the crisis, so now I hope that people will continue to support them."

Nuala Grandcourt uses local produce to make her award-winning Wild Island dressings in Newchurch, she said: "So many people benefit when you shop locally and the quality’s there for you too.

"The brilliant thing about local produce is that you can see it growing, so you can be sure of its provenance. And you can taste the freshness – the taste is remarkable!”

Paul Griffin, a partner at Briddlesford Lodge Farm & Dairy, has been supplying fresh milk, cheese, butter and ready meals to Islanders throughout the lockdown — and even toilet roll during the shortage.

He said: “When you shop locally, you’re supporting your rural economy and putting money back into the Isle of Wight.

"You’re protecting Isle of Wight jobs, and investing in the beautiful countryside, because without farming, the fields would revert to scrubland and you wouldn’t see livestock. So let’s buy local!

"You’ll be supporting the Isle of Wight, you can feel good about yourself, and it tastes so good too!”

Helen Cunningham from Vintage Vacations and Tiny Homes Holidays supports the Let’s Buy Local campaign.

She said: “Have you ever tried Wight Salt? It’s made naturally and sustainably from Ventnor seawater. It's like an early morning bucket of seawater thrown in your face — in a good way!”

To find out more, go to letsbuylocal.org.uk or visit Wight Marque's Facebook page.