On Bank Holiday Monday HFA showcased some of the amazing people and organisations who are part of the Alliance in and around Herefordshire at the Indie Food Festival in Hereford. We took over the main stage in the afternoon for 10 minutes every hour to chat to some of the inspiring people who we are proud to work with.
Things kicked off with Emma Murray-Luo from the West Midlands Grain Network and the Land Workers' Alliance. Emma spoke passionately about the great work the network is doing to bring together farmers, millers and bakers that share a passion for transforming the region's grain system and advocate for local and heritage grains to preserve traditional farming practices and promote sustainable agriculture
Next up was Kitty Stainsby from Wye Organic who farms near Ross on Wye. Kitty runs a herd a Hereford cattle and a flock of easy care sheep and sells her Pasture for Life certified and Organic meat through a successful meat box. She explained all that she is doing to build soil, making sure that the cows eat a diverse mix of plants to ensure their health and advocating the nutritional and environmental benefits of eating less but better meat.
Pat Gordon (pictured) from Growing Local Growing Local was next and introduced us to their new Southside Project, a community supported agriculture and education facility south of the city centre. She spoke of the need for community engagement in food and told us all about their plans to create the biggest community supported agriculture project in the area, aiming to have 200+ shares in the farm.
Finally we welcomed Kevin Morris from the Living Room, a community larder, cafe and community safe space in Hereford city centre. Kevin spoke about how they work to help those in food poverty in the region through the community larder, allowing fresh and nutritious food to be available to all. The Living Room also tackles food waste and takes surplus produce from all over Hereford, and they are keen to link up with even more producers to make sure that food does not go to waste in the city.
Big thanks to Ruth for pulling this all together, to Dorian and Callum, alliance partners and organisers of the Indie Food Festival - and all the speakers. Most of them are a lot more used to just getting on with things and growing or distributing food than blowing their own trumpets but it was clear all the punters really appreciated hearing their stories.
