The Awesome Accessible Veg Project: Cultivating Care in Communities

In 2021, we set about evolving our veg scheme to incorporate accessibility. The Accessible Veg Project was set up in collaboration with some academics who are long term friends of the farm. The project, organised by T-Grains, received financial assistance from UWE Bristol, Cardiff University, WWF Cymru and Food Sense Wales. Born from the collaboration between researchers, Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms, and food aid partners, this project aimed to bridge the gap between food-insecure households and nutritious vegetables.

Please note, Community-supported Agriculture (CSA) farms are part of an agroecological model. People, planet, and producer are at the core of this value system.

The Accessible Veg Project

What we wanted to do was integrate households that might not usually access our veg scheme into our local CSA. These schemes, usually accessible to paying members, offer a weekly assortment of fresh vegetables during the harvest season. However, for some that may not be possible, due to costs of other factors, we wanted to challenge that.

For the trial period funding of the Veg bags came from the research resources. However, CSA participants needed to explore different, sustainable ways to fund the cost of the bags once the project period ended. (Read on to discover how Slade Farm Organics achieve this).

Fresh organic vegetables are important to all in promoting health and well-being, The Accessible Veg Project sought to make that resource accessible to all. Through the project, participants received weekly veg bags free of charge, or for a small contribution, accompanied by informational resources, recipes, and opportunities for farm visits and volunteering.

Cultivating Community

We were making it up as we went along, in many ways, so proper evaluation was really important. Pre- and post-veg bag interviews with participants provided valuable insights into the impact of CSA membership on diets, food security, and overall well-being. Although the dropout rate underscored existing barriers to accessibility, the project remained committed in its dedication to the overall challenge. Splice Child and Family Project stated, ‘We have provided delivery to each family, many do not have transport and would find it hard to access the farm to collect their veg boxes.’

The project was never just about vegetables however, but about building and nurturing a sense of community. Learning more about what was going on at the farms and how vegetables are grown, through various forms of communication, many participants reported feeling connected to the cause of the farm. Indeed, they felt like they were part of the community.

The Accessible Veg Project Findings

In a report written by Dr Caroline Verfeurth and Dr Angelina Sanderson Bellamy the impact of the project on the lives of participants proved extremely positive. In addition to receiving access to fresh produce, participants in the project working with the CSA farms felt connected to a larger cause, even if they could not visit the farms themselves. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, in a world where loneliness levels continue to rise, participants became part of a community. Whether they engaged with the delivery personnel or participated in group chats on social media platforms, they felt a sense of belonging and solidarity.

Likewise, receiving a weekly veg bag improved the food insecurity of participants. Fewer participants found it difficult affording their weekly food shop. Fewer participants went hungry or skipped meals. Indeed, receiving the veg bag significantly improved the well-being of participants. For the full report findings, please click here.

Where Do We Go from Here?

One of the project's pivotal moments was the workshop convened with CSA and charity partners. Here, stakeholders shared their experiences and explored avenues for sustainable collaboration. CSA farms, including Ash and Elm Horticulture, Galsbren, Henbant, and Slade Farm Organics, showcased their commitment to fostering solidarity and inclusivity within their communities. Partnering with local charities such as Splice Child and Family Project and Siop Griffiths further amplified the project's reach and impact.

Slade Farm Organics continues to work with Splice Child and Family Project to provide the Accessible Veg Project to our local community. Funding for the project comes from the paid weekly veg bag scheme itself. Weekly veg bags cost between £18 - £23. Our aim is to target an average cost of £20 per bag. Therefore, any excess payments received for our organic weekly veg bags by wealthier households, is then used to fund the veg bags for the lower income families. A true sense of community! So, if you wish to order a weekly Organic Veg back and learn more about our scheme, please click here.

Conclusion

The legacy of The Accessible Veg Project serves as a beacon of hope and possibility. Its success demonstrates the transformative power of collective action and underscores the importance of centring community voices in efforts to address food insecurity. As we continue to cultivate connections and cultivate change, may we draw inspiration from initiatives like The Accessible Veg Project to sow a future where nutritious food is truly accessible to all.

Welsh Farmers Leading the Way On Sustainability: Demanding Support

We are constantly being made aware of the Climate Crisis and Welsh farmers are leading the way on sustainability. In Wales, our precious natural ecosystems, stretching from the rugged coasts to the mountains, are facing unprecedented challenges. Biodiversity loss and depletion is amongst the biggest challenges here in Wales.

The Agriculture (Wales) Act and the Sustainable Farming Scheme

The Agriculture (Wales) Act and the associated Sustainable Farming Scheme offer a holistic approach to managing land sustainably in the future. The legislation presents an opportunity to revolutionise our agricultural practices. However its implementation will need to take account of, and recognise, the enormous shift that it is demanding. The schemes place agroecology at the forefront. By incentivising regenerative farming methods and prioritising the well-being of farmers, food producers, and citizens, it hopes to pave the way for a sustainable future. To realise it the schemes will need significant support and funding for an already over-stretched farming community.

W.W.F.

In collaboration with partners such as the Landworkers’ Alliance and Food Sense Wales, W.W.F. case studies recently delved into the potential of agroecology. Through first-hand accounts from Welsh farmers, they explored the transformative benefits of embracing sustainable agriculture. Likewise, they offered policy recommendations to drive positive change.

The heart of their report lies in the stories of six diverse Welsh farms showcased in the "Land Of Our Future" report. These farms serve as beacons of inspiration. They demonstrate the immense potential of agroecology in revitalising our agricultural landscape. We are delighted that Slade Farm is one of them, leading the charge towards a brighter future.

Farming lies at the core of Welsh identity. Nearly 90% of our land is dedicated to agricultural pursuits. Therefore, supporting farmers in adopting climate-friendly practices is not just desirable but imperative. We need to safeguard our future and ensure food security.

Recent surveys conducted by WWF Cymru highlight the widespread recognition of farmers' vital role in protecting nature and combating climate change. The overwhelming majority of rural residents believe that government support should be contingent on farmers implementing measures to safeguard the environment.

Our recommendations for a sustainable future are rooted in evidence from our case studies:

1. Prioritise Financial Support for Agroecological Practices: Incentivise sustainable farming methods to accelerate their adoption across the agricultural sector.

2. Promote Farm-to-Fork Supply Chains: Foster connections between farmers and consumers to promote local, sustainable food systems.

3. Recognise and Reward Community Engagement: Encourage farmers to connect with schools and low-income families, promoting education and access to nutritious food.

4. Invest in Horticultural Initiatives: Support the development of horticultural practices to diversify agricultural landscapes and enhance resilience.

5. Provide Comprehensive Agroecological Training: Equip farmers with the knowledge and resources needed to transition effectively to sustainable farming practices.

Slade Farm

As tenants of Slade Farm, Polly and Graeme exemplify the spirit of resilience and sustainable management that defines Welsh farming. Over two decades, they have nurtured their 800-acre organic mixed farm. They embody the ethos of leaving behind a positive environmental legacy for future generations.

Their commitment to organic farming not only benefits the environment but also enriches the community. Through initiatives like the Community Supported Agriculture scheme and farm visits for local schools, they are fostering meaningful connections between people and the land, bridging the gap between communities and farming.

As Polly eloquently puts it, "We have a story to tell – that we can produce high quality, nutritious food beneficial to the environment of Wales and connect people to where their food has come from." Indeed, during their vegetable growing season, working with a local charity, they are able to supply families on lower incomes with delicious organic vegetable bags.

Nature and Climate

Built on sustainability, Slade Farm do not add any nitrogen fertilisers or pesticides on their land. They feed livestock solely on food produced on their farm. They even grow clover in their grass, fixing nitrogen into the soil, a natural fertiliser. ‘We don't use any pesticides or herbicides. As an organic farm we work with experts to develop natural habitats for our native farmland birds, wildflowers and animal species.’

In addition to this, they farm to encourage wildlife, particularly bird populations. ‘Most farmers grow cereals in the winter as you get higher yields. However we sow most of ours in spring as it means there is stubble in the fields for the birds to feed over winter. On our last bird count we were so pleased to see over 50 yellowhammers overwintering on one of our designated wildlife areas.’

With Welsh Farmers leading the way towards sustainability, let us cultivate hope and resilience in the face of environmental challenges. Through collective action and a commitment to sustainable farming practices, we can forge a path towards a brighter, more sustainable future for Wales and beyond.