Andre Ellis, famed for his illustrations and paintings depicting Cornwall and the coastline, has produced a picture charting the often very different journey food takes to the supermarket or the local farmers’ market.

“We approached Andre because his illustrations are colourful and fun but often hold an important message,” explained Victoria Amran, the Development Officer for West Cornwall Farmers’ Markets.

“In times of economic downturn we want people to think about where they spend their money and are trying to encourage people to support local businesses instead of the supermarkets. Andre’s picture which appears on the front of our new postcards and on the new website shows the journey certain foods make to get to the supermarket shelf – often travelling thousands of miles! The picture also shows the journey a pack of sausages make from local farm, to local abattoir, to local butcher, to local farmers’ market. At every stage money is being put back into our economy.”

Andre’s painting is also featured on the West Cornwall Farmers’ Markets website which went live this week. The new website has information about all 12 farmers’ markets in the area, as well as links and contact information for more than 100 local producers.

Victoria added: “The new website and postcards are all aimed at getting people to think about where their food comes from, what’s in it and about supporting small local businesses and our rural economy.”

Look out for the new postcards at farmers’ markets and other local shops, cafes and public buildings. Alternatively visit the new website at www.wcfm.org.uk and follow us on Facebook at West Cornwall Farmers’ Markets.