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Devon Food Partnership Newsletter
February 2024
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LOVE Food CIC
LOVE Food CIC is a community organisation committed to increasing access to and awareness of the benefits of Local, Organic, Vegan, and Ethical Food for animals, health, and the environment.
The organisation runs food activities in Exeter and Teignbridge that increase access to affordable, healthy, and sustainable food; reduce food waste; and improve community wellbeing by bringing local people together. This includes running pay-what-you-can lunch clubs, community cookery sessions, and an apple scrumping and juicing project, all using local, seasonal produce where possible.
Since being established two and a half years ago, LOVE Food CIC has worked hard with local partners to make healthy and sustainable eating accessible for everyone, regardless of budget and background. Over the last year alone, over 50 events have been organised, directly benefitting over 500 people.
LOVE Food CIC are currently crowdfunding to set up a new St Thomas Community Food Hub to host and expand their activities, as well as a community fridge. This food hub will also act as a much-needed community space in the area, helping to reduce social isolation and to provide a venue for other vital community projects.
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Six Inches of Soil: new regenerative agriculture film screened across the UK
Six Inches of Soil is a documentary feature film telling the inspiring story of British farmers transforming the way they produce food to heal the soil, benefit our health, and provide for local communities.
The film follows three new farmers on the first year of their journey embracing agroecology and regenerative farming to help transform the food system. Experts from across the broader good food and farming movement also feature to provide insight on key topics including the connection between food and health; food poverty and affordability; the role of animals in farming; and barriers to new entrants.
Screenings will take place across the UK throughout Spring, including at Exeter Picturehouse (Thursday 28 March, 17:30) and Totnes Cinema (Wednesday 20 March, 18:30).
Find a screening of Six Inches of Soil near you
Riverford’s Get Fair About Farming campaign debated in Parliament
Over 100,000 people, including over 8,000 from Devon, signed Riverford’s petition calling on the government to stand up for British family farmers and put an end to unfair treatment by supermarkets. As a result, the campaign’s aims were discussed by MPs in a Parliamentary debate on Monday 22 January.
The debate focused on the petition’s goal of reforming the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP), which governs the relationship between large retailers and suppliers. Several Devon MPs were in attendance, and many MPs stated their support for Riverford’s campaign and British farmers. During the debate, Mark Spencer MP, Minister for Farming, indicated the government’s preference for using statutory codes under the Agriculture Act rather than reforming the GSCOP to strive for fairness in supply chains.
Riverford, Sustain, and other stakeholders are continuing to work to build on this momentum and campaign for fairness for farmers.
Read the full debate summary from Sustain
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Mid Devon food and drink businesses offered support to join Food Drink Devon
Mid Devon District Council is using UK Shared Prosperity Funding to offer free or low-cost annual subscriptions to Food Drink Devon to local food and drink businesses.
Food Drink Devon is a Community Interest Company committed to raising the profile of Devon’s fantastic producers, retailers, and hospitality venues. The benefits of membership include mentoring and support; workshops; and opportunities to participate in shows and events, as well as use of the Food Drink Devon logo as a mark of quality, sustainability, and provenance.
Read more about the Mid Devon Food Drink Devon membership opportunity
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South Molton Pannier Market wins award for second year in a row
South Molton Pannier Market in North Devon has won Best Community Market at the National Market Awards. The accolade recognises the market’s role as a hub for local services, free community activities, and support for charitable causes. This includes working closely with a local food pantry to help locals facing food insecurity.
Every Thursday and Saturday, over 70 stalls offer a wide variety of goods, including local food and drink, in the spacious indoor market. The market also runs events, such as the upcoming South Molton Festival of Food & Drink on Sunday 25 February.
Visit the South Molton Pannier Market website
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Exeter Seed Swap | Sunday 18 February, 10:30-14:30
Get inspired for the growing season at Exeter Seed Bank’s annual Seed Swap. People are encouraged to bring along spare seeds that are within their use-by-date and swap them for others. Those without any seeds can still attend and pick up seeds to start their growing journey. Seeds and attendance are free, but donations are welcome. The seed swap will take place at Positive Light Projects, Sidwell Street, Exeter, EX4 6RD.
Read more about the Exeter Seed Swap
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Careers in sustainable food and farming webinar | Tuesday 5 March, 11:00-12:00
Sustain and Roots to Work have joined forces to explore careers within the sustainable food and farming sector. Hear from people working in public health, agriculture, food growing, and food policy about their career journeys, routes into the sector, finding jobs, and relevant skills and experience. The webinar is open to anyone aged 14+ interested in a career in sustainable food and farming.
Register your place at the Sustain and Roots to Work webinar
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Exeter miniFeast webinar | Wednesday 13 March, 16:00-18:00
Following the success of the Big Exeter Feast in November 2023, Exeter Community Initiatives are hosting a food-focused webinar. Part of the Exeter Connect project, the session will feature guest speakers on a range of topics including sustainability, technology, social entrepreneurship, and more. This is an opportunity to connect with likeminded individuals and to be inspired by new ideas, projects, and success stories from across communities.
Reserve your place at the Exeter miniFeast webinar
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South West AgriTech Showcase | Thursday 21 March, 08:30-16:15
South West AgriTech are holding their second showcase to promote the region’s strength in developing the nation’s agricultural technology powerhouse. The event will focus on innovation and technology within agriculture; its commercialisation and adoption; and how this can improve farming businesses and profitability.
Book your tickets to the South West AgriTech Showcase 2024
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