Topic: where do shelled peas come from?

[Multiveg]

Went to Tescos yesterday and came across some peas - guess where they come from? And, where do the prepared sliced runner beans come from?

[aquilegia]

Probably somewhere in Africa?

[Doris_Pinks]

I was thinking Kenya

[lorna]

I often try to get veg from veg stall on local market days.. Nice to see tickets stating local grown!! Does make you think why super markets can't try and supply us with UK veg. Lorna.

[aquilegia]

UK veg = higher wage costs and seasonally grown. African veg = low wage costs and constant year-round supplies.  ::) to supermarkets

[Multiveg]

Well, they had in the prepared department, quite a bit from Africa, even though the veg are in season here and they were stocking uk sourced french beans (but from Kenya, fine beans), etc.... grr...

[Justy]

was really chuffed in my local co-op today as the vine tomatoes I bought were not only grown in UK but in Worcestershire so could have been grown round the corner from me!  ;D Now if only my little darlings would hurry up and ripen could save myself a quid!

[aquilegia]

I reckon this buying from Africa even when veg is in season here is because they must have a contract with the Kenyan companies. If they stopped buying from Africa for the summer months, they'd probably have to pay way more. Stupid economics.

[Multiveg]

Tescos were stocking produce from Zimbabwe which I understand may have food shortages in some parts of the country - heard Mugabe importing food..

[Icyberjunkie]

Very much down to cost.  Pay an African £5/week and provide their lodging and schooling for the children is better for them and cheaper for the company.  Good ethics and good profit.   Not good for the greenies though because of the 'food miles' but then you can't please everyone all the time and in the big picture I'm all for it.

Try finding employees in the UK to work top and tailing beans for a price you are willing to pay........