WHEN Britain's pig industry hit hard times, pig farmers were told to diversify.

Geoff and Margaret Sykes did so by opening The Farmers Cart - and now the farm shop and tearoom has been nominated by several readers for our Eat Local competition.

The Farmers Cart sells locally sourced meats and cheeses, homegrown vegetables and home-baked cakes, along with some regional specialities - including sloe gin chocolates.

The tearoom, which has sold freshly baked cakes and scones from the opening last year, has just begun serving a variety of light lunches using produce from the farm's own fields.

The meals are prepared on the farm by chef Simon Trainer.

In another development, the Sykes plan shortly to begin selling a range of oven-ready meals, using produce grown and raised on the farm or other farms in the locality. They say the meals will be ideal for customers who have little time to cook but still want high quality ingredients and freshness.

Readers who have nominated the Farmers Cart for our competition include Winifred Foote, of Haxby, Philip Hyde, of Strensall, and Patrick Johnson, also of Strensall, who said: "It sells fresh quality produce, locally grown, in a pleasant, friendly environment. You can see your produce out in the fields."

Nancy Spratt, of Skelton, said: "They sell meat and game from named farms within 20 miles of the shop, in most attractive surroundings."

Mr Sykes said he and his wife were great believers in the seasonality and traceability of both food production and retailing.

"The produce and speciality items we offer reflect the traditional farming calendar, which allow customers to taste strawberries when they are at their sweetest and freshly dug new potatoes at their most flavoursome.

"The meats, cheeses and famous pork pies, which supplement our homegrown produce, are all locally sourced, as we are constantly attempting to support local producers and reduce the time and distance between the field and the fork."

He said the farm had its own Aberdeen Angus cattle and ewes, as well as growing a range of vegetables.

Mr Sykes praised the Evening Press Eat Local campaign, which is supported by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society. "We at The Farmer's Cart applaud your scheme, as it has successfully raised awareness towards eating locally and has encouraged new customers to shop with us, which has had a positive effect on our business."

Updated: 10:41 Saturday, January 18, 2003