Just Ask Helen latest supporter of CLA Campaign

Helen Smith, of Lancashire's Culinary Herbs is the latest food producer to give their backing to the CLA's "Just Ask" Campaign, which was launched by the Prime Minister Tony Blair in Downing Street earlier this year.

The Campaign, which aims to encourage the public to Just Ask where the food comes from, whether they are eating out or simply shopping, is beginning to attract a momentum of its own as more producers are positively encouraging their customers to Just Ask where their food comes from.

Helen, ably aided by mother Rosemary and brother John, has turned her passion for local produce into a thriving business growing a huge selection of herbs and spices, transforming them into an award-winning and original range of mouth-watering jellies, mustards, pickles, pestos and relishes. Wherever possible Helen's products contain only local ingredients, bought at farmers' markets and from fellow growers. The herbs are even used in winter soups with fresh local vegetables, and summer smoothies.

Keen to spread the word about the range and quality of local produce, Helen says: "I completely support the principle of people asking where their food comes from. We have to raise awareness of food in general, as so many young people especially don't give food a second thought, and assume it comes from "the supermarket".

Combining a talent for cooking with a good measure of creativity, Helen has started a cookery school on the farm at Out Rawcliffe, and intends beaming her demonstrations via webcasts across the world as well as selling her products through the website www.culinary-herbs.co.uk

Douglas Chalmers, Director CLA North relishes this latest interest in the CLA's campaign saying, "Helen is a shining example of what can be achieved by a very rural business. Despite her location, she is using modern technology and current shopping trends to place her products in front of the customer. Great ingredients make great food and sourcing locally ensures freshness and traceability and is a sustainable boost for the local economy, keeping money and jobs in the community. All these give greater confidence in the quality of the food. That is what the consumer ultimately demands for themselves and their families, and will bring them back for more."