Nottinghamshire is looking at developing a county-wide Farmstart programme, to nurture a new generation of nature-based and community-driven food producers in Nottinghamshire and provide healthy, local food for all. Whether you want to grow it, sell it, or just eat it, you can get involved.
The Nottinghamshire Farmstart feasibility study is seeking input from people across the county to help shape the first county-wide Farmstart programme.
A Farmstart programme helps people to start their agricultural enterprise by providing access to business support, training, producer networks, mentoring, resources, shared infrastructure and routes to market. Farmstarts began in Canada and have been successful elsewhere in the UK.
This innovative project is part of a public health priority to reduce food insecurity and improve nutrition for all, across the county. The feasibility study will explore interest in the Farmstart idea, and make recommendations for their development.
Urban Agriculture Consortium is urging food producers and wholesalers, and anyone who dreams of becoming a food producer, wants to see more affordable local food or improve their health, to complete one of their surveys at www.nottsfarmstart.co.uk by the 23rd July.
The surveys aim to capture the views of existing and potential future farmers, those who sell local produce and those who are interested in ‘eating local.’
Food producers are asked to share skills with new entrant farmers by providing demonstration and learning experiences and even land to rent, in exchange for added value to your farm and shared marketing opportunities.
Retailers and wholesalers of local food are being asked if they'd like to sell more local food. They could benefit from increased investment in the infrastructure of local food supply chains and collaborate to bolster local markets.
Anyone dreaming of farming or developing a food business can share their views to help shape what a successful training programme could look like for you.
Or, if you're interested in or passionate about buying local food, and eating it, the consumer survey explores your needs, challenges and what you would like to see on the market.
Jeremy Iles from the from Urban Agriculture Consortium said "We are excited to be building on the work of the emerging UK farmstarts network. We think this is the first such county-wide feasibility study, and credit goes to Nottinghamshire County Council for leading the way. We hope many others will follow suit."
The urban food revolution needs plenty of people and Farmstarts are key to sowing the seeds of a new localised food system.The Nottinghamshire Food Charter states that Good food is essential for a healthy balanced
diet, good nutrition and health and wellbeing. Food plays a vital role in creating healthy and happy communities whilst tackling health, economic and environmental issues.
The Nottinghamshire Farmstart feasibility project is a collaboration between Nottinghamshire County Council and the Urban Agriculture Consortium, with inspiration and guidance from the Landworkers Alliance's National Farmstart Network and other Farmstarts
in the UK.
The deadline for completing the surveys is Sunday 23 July.
Find out more at www.nottsfarmstart.co.uk
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