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 13.2.04
Ecodyfi is teaming up with Farming Connect to help Dyfi Valley farmers
interested in horticulture. A joint meeting has been arranged for 24th
February to allow farmers to hear from a commercial grower and to explore
ways forward.
Ian Sumpter farms 40 acres at Rhydlewis, Ceredigion, including about
6 acres of vegetables. He will speak about his experience of horticulture,
the difficulties he�s faced and how he sells his produce. The meeting
will also hear about potential support from IGER, the Institute of Rural
Sciences and the Welsh Development Agency.
The organisers have identified an opportunity for farmers to diversify.
Produce may include trees and nursery stock as well as fruit and vegetables.
It is hoped that local schools and cafes can be supplied as well as local
consumers. Competing in wider markets is also being looked at.
Hurdles to be overcome include the need for training and equipment. This
may be best done by forming a group of enthusiastic landowners and growers.
It may also include people who would like to grow produce but do not yet
have access to land.
The organisers of the meeting, to be held at the White Lion in Machynlleth
at 7.30, hope that some local farmers will establish vegetable plots this
summer on a trial basis. Guidance will be sought from a new Development
Centre being set up under Farming Connect and lessons learnt will inform
a funding bid to the WDA for the following season.
Charles Arch, one of the ecodyfi Board members, doesn�t think that climate
and soil are the limiting factors in most cases. �Every farm used to grow
vegetables for home consumption�, he said. �With growing demand from residents
and visitors for produce they know has been grown locally in a healthy
environment, now is the time to explore how we can all benefit from this.�
Further information: Andy
Rowland, Manager of ecodyfi, 01654 703965
Gwen Lloyd, Farming Connect local organiser 01654 702481.
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