28/5/08

Grow more food locally with Community Supported Agriculture

An event to be held near Newtown on 5 June will explain the basics of setting up partnerships between farmers and consumers where the responsibilities and the rewards are shared, an approach known as Community Supported Agriculture or CSA. The event is funded by Glasu and Farming Connect.

'This is a must-go event for anyone interested in setting up a CSA scheme in Wales. It's a great opportunity to talk to experts who have direct experience in establishing and running these types of projects, and to meet other people interested in the approach,' said Tony Little of Organic Centre Wales, who are helping to organize the event.

The day will be led jointly by Greg Pilley and Nick Weir who are founder members of Stroud Community Agriculture and have been closely involved in supporting several other groups to set up CSA projects. They will speak about all aspects of the subject, such as crop planning and distribution, setting up an effective core group, legal and organizational structures, finances and running public meetings.

The event will be held at the Cwm Harry Land Trust, Newtown, Powys and will include presentations, interactive workshops, a farm walk, a tour of the Cwm Harry composting unit, and a free lunch and refreshments. The Trust applies recycling principles in the collection of local green garden waste, which is eventually turned into compost that is used to grow vegetables for a Community Supported Agriculture Scheme.

The day is free, but booking is essential. A booking form is available at www.organic.aber.ac.uk/events.

Ends

Further information:

Tony Little, Organic Centre Wales, Aberystwyth University, Tel. 01970 621632.

Notes for editors

1. Organic Centre Wales is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government to provide information on organic food and farming to producers, food businesses, consumers and others. It is based at Aberystwyth University and run by a partnership consisting of the ADAS, the Organic Research Centre Elm Farm, and the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences at Aberystwyth University.

2. For more information on CSA, see www.soilassociation.org/csa.

3. For more information on the Cwm Harry Land Trust, visit www.cwmharrylandtrust.org.uk.

4. Glasu is the Leader+ programme in Powys. See www.glasu.org.uk.

5. Farming Connect is an advisory service for farming families, supported by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and delivered by the Welsh Assembly Government.

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