FOOD CIRCLE GETS GROWING

One problem of trying to promote a super local food economy, run a successful local food market and put together a fortnightly veg bag with a focus on local produce is that there aren't that many commercial growers of fruit and veg close to us. Indeed, the very reason Food Circle exists, is to create and a nurture an alternative space where our food system is local and community led, one that it focuses on social and economic benefit for all and doesn't sacrifice the welfare of people, the planet or animals to make it happen.

The commercial growers we do use locally you could say are pioneers, stepping forward and taking on the challenge of growing on a small scale, locally, organically, is not for the faint of heart. As it is for all our producers be it veg, fruit, meat, cheese or bread.

Which is why when Anello Kitchen Garden approached us to grow some of our own we were delighted because we could always do with more food grown right on our doorstep. A bit of background, Silvie who you know from the Food Circle stall at our markets and general warm welcoming smiley face is a grower professionally. She has worked as a grower for many years, mainly for charity gardens and over sees the growing season for acres worth of veg each year! Naturally she is also now head grower for Food Circle. Rebecca, me, a hobby grower, until recently when I spend 6 months working on an organic veg farm in North Yorkshire (where we get most of our potatoes from) is keen and enjoys growing but lacks any in depth knowledge or expertise and how to grow for commercial purposes.

Anello have given us 5 beds to play with this year and so far we have garlic and mange tout in production, we're also doing some salads, I have some fennel on the go and I've heard talks of beetroot. The garden has become somewhat of a community space, with various people growing and a composting scheme. There will be an opportunity to share our produce with the other growers and trade so we can offer even more variety.

As we go through the year stay alert for events happening at the garden and if you're interested in what we're doing and want to get involved we'd love to welcome volunteers for garden and FC projects. And of course the biggest way to support us is to shop with us.