BUTCHERS and farmers in the Forest and Wye valley area say consumers should buy meat locally if they want products they can trust – and they'll also enjoy a bonus of better-tasting goods.

They also say good meat will be better value for money, even free range organic produce that many might think would be very expensive.

Overall the message is that it is unsurprising that very cheap products have been adulterated, especially where a complex chain of supply makes it difficult to trace the origins of the ingredients.

"We have kept our prices extremely competitive," says Dominic Gorton, who runs an organic beef herd at Oaklands Farm near Newnham – the Oaklands Park, Camphill Village Trust Community, which also grows organic vegetables, has just opened a new meat counter at the George café and gallery in central Newnham.

Dominic farms on 'biodynamic' Rudolph Steiner principles with the help of community co-workers using Demeter Level 6 standards – higher than the Soil Association's requirements for organic production.

"Our animals are also very well looked after," he said. "It's not just about producing good meat. But I know many people who say they won't buy anything else after trying our beef."

Managing director Howard Hancocks of Hancocks Butchers of Monmouth Ltd is not surprised about the revelations concerning supermarket processed food.

"From the initial source, the meat is butchered and with the sludge from mechanically recovered meat frozen into unrecognisable blocks, with the label on the outside of the box the only clue to contents. From the press reports the meat can then be transported across numerous countries for further processing before the final article is delivered to the supermarket," he said.

"In contrast your local butcher has fresh meat, easily recognisable for species, delivered from a local abattoir which is then cut and prepared on the premises. burgers and sausages are then prepared on the premises.

"Not many local butchers produce ready meals but ask him for suggestions for meat that can be cooked quickly and economically and will provide an unadulterated nutritious and superb tasting meal."