Alliance coordinator Rebecca was at the Oxford Real Farming Conference at the beginning of January. This is now the biggest event for 'agroecological' farming (modern, mixed, with nature and food production side by side) on the planet. As well as farming, there was much time spent on connections - and the positive things that came come from them. It was great to be connected to other Sustainable Food Places like ours - including our very near neighbour Shropshire through a session looking at building links between those producing our food and those consuming it.
Leicestershire shared their work to build certifications into their school meals procurement - and the dicussions they are having with local farmers (and also those certifying) around the barriers this can cause with local food. It's a work in progress and we'll be watching them closely! They have recently acquired a 'bronze' award for their county, which is our plan for Herefordshire this year. Tell us what's been going on locally and we'll report it for a county-wide award!
Dumfries and Galloway talked about food gatherings, an online hub for sales, and a specific 'regenerative farming regeneration network' - consisting of farm walks, films and a soil whatsapp chat.
Plenty of ideas to take away, and use the parts that are needed and suit Herefordshire.
Join the Alliance and help us make more of these ideas happen!
If you'd like to visit Shropshire's food partnership and food hub, we'll be arranging something soon. Get in touch.
