SUPERMARKETS in Yorkshire are being urged: Buy more locally-sourced food.

That is the plea from the Regional Food Group for Yorkshire and Humber (RFG) It argues that while the recession is affecting people’s shopping habits, buying local food “can bring significant benefits to regions’ economies”.

Jonathan Knight, chief executive of the RFG, listing the benefits, said: “First and foremost local food production creates jobs in the local community, which in turn will have a positive impact on future investment and opportunities in the area.

“Plus, support for local food is good news for the environment, as well as the economy: local food production often means lower distribution and travel miles. And, in many cases, these savings are passed back to the consumer.

“As a nation we should be very proud that some of the best food products in the world are produced in the UK.

“In Yorkshire and Humber, the third largest food and drink manufacturing region in the UK, we boast a wealth of innovative food suppliers and producers.

“Therefore, an important part of our role is to work with leading retailers to help source the very best local and regional foods.”

Consumer research showed that customers had pride and passion for their regions, and wanted access to regionally-sourced products.

More than 460 farmers in Yorkshire now supply Tesco, the UK’s largest supermarket, with meat, poultry and eggs. Tesco stores throughout the region now stock 120 local products.

The plea comes as Tesco plans to celebrate Farmhouse Breakfast Week, which began yesterday, by offering a range of Yorkshire products, including Debbie & Andrews Sausages, Yorkshire butter, Yorkshire Farmhouse eggs, Yorkshire mushrooms, Yorkshire milk – cow and goat – and Yorkshire yoghurt.

Selected Yorkshire products will be available for customers to taste at Tesco Extra, in Tadcaster Road, York, on Thursday and Friday.