Projects supporting communities facing food and fuel insecurity during the cost-of-living crisis can apply for grants of up to £3,000 from Devon County Council’s Growing Communities Fund (GCF).

Originally set up in 2022, the GCF aims to support proactive, effective, measurable, and sustainable actions to enable individuals and communities to build self-reliance and improve mental health and wellbeing during the cost-of-living crisis.

Over £530,000 in grants has been awarded to 300 local projects over the past year to help communities cope with the continued high cost of food and bills. The GCF remains open to new applications until Sunday 31 March 2024.

Read more and apply for the Growing Communities Fund.

Did you know that nearly 30% of the waste that is thrown away in Devon is food waste?

The majority of councils in Devon offer a weekly food waste collection or are rolling out a new food waste collection service.

Recycle Devon are offering a chance to win a food juicer when you pledge to reduce your food waste and use your food waste collection. There are three to give away and the prize draw will close on Thursday 31 August.

Pledge to use your food waste collection.

The UK Government has published proposed changes to planning rules to make agricultural diversification and development easier.

The proposed changes would expand permitted development rights, giving farmers greater freedom to change the use of agricultural buildings. These changes are now open for a public consultation.

The consultation asks you to consider the short and long-term impact of these changes on the environment and local communities.

Additionally, the UK Government are requesting case studies to better understand what issues farmers and land managers are facing. Specifically, they request evidence on nature-based solutions, farm efficiency projects, and farm diversification.

The consultation closes on Monday 25 September.

Read more and have your say on permitted development rights.

Are you a farmer who is interested in finding out more about soils and nutrients? Join the Devon Agri-Tech Alliance at Fowlescombe Farm, Ivybridge for a comprehensive workshop and farm tour. Hear from experts in their respective fields about how you can save waste, help the environment, know when to drill and when to test, and what is happening in the local area.

Register your place at the workshop.

Established in 1883, the Holsworthy and Stratton Agricultural Show is celebrating its 125^th anniversary this year. The day will feature a great variety of attractions including a large livestock section and a food and drink marquee. With something for everyone, this is an opportunity to recognise the hard work of farmers and food producers in Devon and beyond.

Read more and book your tickets for the Holsworthy and Stratton Agricultural Show.

East Devon’s renowned producers, chefs, restaurants, and venues have joined forces to present the Taste East Devon Festival. A series of ticketed and free events across East Devon will be running throughout September including brewery open days, seafood tasting experiences, barbecues, and parties.

Find out what's happening at the Taste East Devon Festival.

Join Exeter Seed Bank at the Daily Bowl for a celebration of the seasonality and diversity of tomatoes grown in the city. Over 40 residents and groups have been growing different tomato varieties this summer, and the seeds will be used to replenish the seed bank for next year. The festival will feature a blind taste test, a tomato-based lunch dish, music, and face painting.

Read more about the Exeter Tomato Festival.

England's Seafood Feast is returning to Torbay this year, where you will be able to immerse yourself in eating some of the best seafood in the world. A whole range of locally landed and caught fish and seafood will be presented at over 30 eateries across Brixham, Paignton, and Torquay, with more events coming soon.

Find out what's happening at England's Seafood Feast.