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Devon Food Partnership Newsletter
April 2024
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Devon’s Good Food Strategy Annual Report 2023-2024
Just over a year on from the launch of Devon’s Good Food Strategy, the Devon Food Partnership has produced a report to highlight some of the key successes that have been achieved since then.
The Strategy was written collaboratively with the Devon Food Partnership steering group and identifies the strategic priorities for Devon’s food system. This was launched at an in person event in February 2023.
Over the past year, the Partnership and other key stakeholders have worked hard to deliver on the Strategy’s priorities, from hosting the Devon Insecurity Summit event with Devon Community Foundation, to achieving a Sustainable Food Places Bronze Award.
This report serves as an opportunity to reflect on the past year of activity, celebrate the progress that has been made so far, and look ahead to the next steps for the Partnership.
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Devon County Show returns from Thursday 16 to Saturday 18 May
Enjoy a three-day festival of agriculture, food, and fun at this year’s Devon County Show. Taking place from Thursday 16 to Saturday 18 May at Westpoint, Clyst St Mary (EX5 1DJ), the show has something for everyone, from fabulous local food and drink producers to a Look and Learn Section led by Farmwise for young people to learn more about farming.
This year, the Devon Agri-Tech Alliance (DATA) will host a space on Innovation Avenue for its members to connect and showcase their innovative and regenerative farming projects, including running a selection of workshops. Additionally, the Devon Food Partnership will have a stand in this space which will serve as a pop-up opportunity for local food and drink producers to promote themselves.
Buy your tickets to the Devon County Show
Get involved with community growing for Good to Grow week
Community gardens and growing spaces across the country are welcoming volunteers for Good to Grow week from Monday 22 to Monday 29 April. Good to Grow week is an annual celebration of the new growing season and an opportunity to get involved with local community growing projects. The themes for this year’s activities are Right to Grow and Growing for Nature.
There are opportunities to get involved in gardens across Devon. For instance, Zero Mile Gardens in Exeter will be running three days of activities across the week in the St Thomas area. Use the Good to Grow map to find activities near you.
Find out more about Good to Grow week and how you can get involved
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Devon Local Nature Partnership adopts Devon Tree and Woodland Strategy
Devon’s first ever tree and woodland strategy has been adopted by the Devon Local Nature Partnership. Covering the whole county including Plymouth and Torbay, the strategy sets out ambitions for Devon’s trees, hedges, orchards, and woodlands until 2050.
The strategy will direct action to ensure that Devon’s trees and woodlands are resilient and adaptable in the face of climate change. It also plans for the delivery of an additional 3000ha of tree planting by 2030 to help meet national targets.
Read the full Devon Tree and Woodland Strategy
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Food Drink Devon 2024 Awards application deadline extended to Monday 29 April
The deadline for applications for the 2024 Food Drink Devon Awards has been extended to Monday 29 April. The Food Drink Devon Awards are open to both members and non-members and cover five main categories: Producer Awards, Hospitality Awards, Retailer Awards, Sustainability Pioneer Awards, and Training School/Learning Experience Awards. Winners will be announced in October and all entrants will be given a free constructive feedback report
Enter the 2024 Food Drink Devon Awards
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Bridging the Gap with public sector food webinar | Tuesday 23 April
Join Sustain for the latest Bridging the Gap webinar focused on public sector food procurement. The webinar will feature expert speakers and will explore how anchor institutions like schools and hospitals can use climate and nature friendly produce to support health, social, and environmental outcomes.
Register your place at the Bridging the Gap with public sector food webinar
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Community Composting Masterclass | Saturday 27 to Sunday 28 April
Sustainable South Hams are running a two-day community composting masterclass at South Brent Old School Community Centre. The workshop is for anyone interested in developing their own community composting site. Tickets cost £5.00.
Book your place at the Community Composting Masterclass
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Exmouth Gate to Plate festival | Sunday 28 April
Funded by East Devon District Council and delivered by eat:Festivals, the Exmouth Gate to Plate festival will highlight the best of the district’s outstanding producers. Free for all to attend from 10am to 4pm, this open air event is an opportunity to enjoy the delicious local food and drink of East Devon.
Read more about the Exmouth Gate to Plate Festival
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Farm Diversification for Mid Devon Farmers | Wednesday 1 May
This on-farm event is for Mid Devon farmers looking to explore opportunities to diversify their businesses. The day will include expert insight from Business Information Point and NFU Mutual, as well as a walk of West Middlewick Farm, a highly diversified family-run dairy farm in the heart of Devon.
Register your place at the Farm Diversification event on Eventbrite
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