For a brief few weeks in summer, cherries are on everyone’s lips. Plump and delicate, with a flavour all of their own, they are truly an orchard gem because to reach perfection is a matter of growing skill and exactly the right balance of sun and rain in the critical ripening days.  

They follow swiftly on from asparagus, whose good-food season ends on mid-summer day, the very day that the cherry harvest officially starts. It continues through until the end of July – or at least, that is what is supposed to happen. The fruit is fragile; a downpour in a thunderstorm can bring an abrupt end to the season and imports continue to threaten the future of our orchards. We joined cherry-lover Katie Napper at Q Gardens near Harwell in Oxfordshire, who, with husband Rowan, runs the largest fruit farm in the county, to discover the behind-the-scenes story of today’s cherry orchard.

Months of nurturing by our potato farmers has paid off as new potatoes are ready for harvest and for our plates!

- made from made from flour, water, yeast and salt (optional)

- made without 'improvers', additives or processing aids (including enzymes)

- made with other natural food ingredients such as nuts, fruits, vegetables and fats, only if these themselves contain no additives

Find Real Bread near you.

The FARMA Month of Taste is supporting "Eat Seasonably", a nationwide campaign to help you enjoy fruit and veg at its seasonal best. Eat Seasonably is backed by retailers large and small, cafes, pubs, restaurants, charities, chefs and leading food organisations.

The campaign is part of 'We Will If You Will’, a response to The Prime Minister from business and civil society, spearheaded by Fiona Reynolds (National Trust) and Ian Cheshire (B&Q). The aim is to deliver new and unique collaborative efforts to encourage more people to live more sustainable lifestyles. At the heart of the initiative will be an unprecedented coalition of NGOs and businesses committed to delivering practical solutions to consumers and communities. www.wewillifyouwill.org

What 'Eat Seasonably' means for you is better labelling and clearer signposting of when fruits and vegetables are in season, as well as promotions and offers to make them even more tasty. Plus there are events all summer to get involved in.

Visit www.eatseasonably.co.uk

Open Farm Sunday is a fantastic opportunity for everyone, young and old to enjoy the living, vibrant countryside. Take time to listen to the birds, soak up the scenery, experience the smells of the farmyard and really get in touch with the land that feeds us. Discover at first hand what it means to be a farmer and taste the produce. So come and feed your senses on Open Farm Sunday.

This year's Open Farm Sunday took place on 7 June and was a huge success, involving on-farm events around the country, based around the host farm’s own individual story. Activities included farm walks, nature trails, tractor & trailer rides, pond dipping, activities for kids, mini farmers markets and picnics.

On Saturday, 18th July 2009, Cherry Lovers across the nation will join together for the second annual National Cherry Day from FoodLoversBritain.com. Building on the success of the 2008 campaign, there will be more events taking place around the country so wherever you are in the land, you can join in the fun and enjoy British cherries at their juicy best.