 11.1.05
The humble tomato could be a key to better health and saving the environment
- but only if it's a Dyfi Valley organic tomato.
Health promotion workers in the Bro Ddyfi Communities First area are
encouraging people to benefit from the exercise involved in growing their
own fruit and vegetables, and gain the healthy-heart benefits of eating
fresh food.
They've teamed up with community regeneration group ecodyfi, who are also keen to keep money in the local economy and to reduce pollution from transporting food around the world unnecessarily.
ecodyfi is giving residents of the Dyfi Valley a chance to grow their own organic fruit and vegetables - especially if they aren't growing any food at the moment or don't know how to.
Funded by the Powys Health Promotions Unit and Environment Wales with support from the National Assembly, the 'Get Growing' project also has the backing of the Henry Doubleday Research Association through its 'Organic Food for All' project.
Due to kick off in March, there are a number of options for individuals who want to grow their own.
One option is to join ecodyfi's free organic garden training
course which will be run from March to August.
This practical course is to be held in a working organic walled garden, where trainees will get their own plot to prepare, sow, weed and harvest.
The course is open to people of any age and ability, suiting complete beginners and those who already garden.
Exact times and dates will be tailored to suit the applicants.
Trainees will be examined at the end of the course and gain a Dyfi Valley certificate in organic gardening.
For those who cannot afford the time, there is option two, of
joining a web based or postal course which will be available over the
same six month period.
Tom O'Kane of ecodyfi said "ecodyfi is keen to promote gardening as a key activity for healthy living, at the same time as reducing the 'food miles' of imported fruit and vegetables".
Interested people need to apply now as spaces are limited.
For more information contact Tom O'Kane on 01654 703965 or email bev.dimmuck@ecodyfi.org.uk.,
or see the new Growing section of this web site
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