The UK market grew 7.3% in 2024 ending the year at £3.7 billion – double what it was 10 years ago.

Organic food sales have increased, however production remains at 3% of UK farmland – with the market heavily reliant on imports.

Read the Soil Associations headlines and market report here

Landmatch England is launching to help unlock land for food and farming across England. By connecting landowners with farmers and community groups, resources will be utilised to boost agri-ecological food production.

Webinar launch event: Wednesday 21st January 2026, 18:30-19:45

Find out more at the launch webinar and book your space here.

Trill Farm Garden in East Devon run a range of courses suited to market gardeners and those who are interested in growing veg. They have been growing veg at Trill since 2010, and specialise in salad growing (producing 3 tonnes a year), seed saving and soil health.

Find out more and take advantage of Early Bird prices until early January.

Open now for applications, Kew Gardens grants are for up to £2,000 in the Community Programme, to transform an urban space with UK native plants or fungi, encourage wildlife and involve your local community. These grants are only for urban areas, defined as settlements with at least 10,000 inhabitants. Applications can be made by voluntary, youth and community groups, residents’ associations and health boards.

Youth Grants are £500 for 16 to 25 year olds with an idea for a project to champion UK native plants and/or fungi.

Find out more and apply now on Kew Grow Wild web page

In this workshop, led by Carolyn Dare, we’ll learn about the nature of biochar, its current uses in gardening and farming, and the benefits of using it in our gardens and compost heaps. We will even have a go at making biochar in the Tawi stove, using local community gardens’ clippings, and share some soup cooked on the stove.

Saturday 10th January 2pm-5pm, Exeter, EX4 1EJ

Find out more and book your space on Zero Mile Gardens website

Wellmoor and Knead to Connect, two Moretonhampstead charities, have launched Nourishing Dartmoor to tackle food insecurity across North East Dartmoor.

At the heart of the project is the Food Club. Each week, members fill a bag with food for a small donation and share tasters and recipes for affordable and nutritious meals that can be created while reducing food waste. The Club now has over 100 members and continues to grow. Beyond cooking, it offers a welcoming space for connection, confidence‑building and a monthly cook‑along to learn new skills. Food Club meets at Moretonhampstead Parish Hall, Thursdays 9–11am.

Next, Nourishing Dartmoor plans to link with local primary schools, introducing children to seasonal food through the community allotment. By planting, harvesting, and cooking together, the project will encourage healthier habits and a deep appreciation of local produce.

For more information, contact penny@wellmoor.org.uk.

Who should decide how we measure and understand the socially valuable work you do or commission? 

Are you a VCSE organisation wanting to understand and demonstrate the difference your work makes in a way that’s meaningful to you but also to funders? 

Open to all working in the community, voluntary, charity, public, health, academic and social enterprise sectors.

Newton Abbot, TQ12 4AA, Wed 28^th January 2026 10:00 - 14:30

Find out more and book your free space on Eventbrite here.

Devon's Public Health Team will be sharing information on the national Healthy Start NHS scheme which provides eligible women and families with children under 4, with financial support towards the cost of fruit, vegetables, pulses, milk and infant formula as well as free vitamins. 

The session is for anyone who works with the public in Devon, and who may be able to signpost on sign-up to the scheme.

To receive a meeting link email publichealth-mailbox@devon.gov.uk  For those that are unable to attend a recording will be made available.  If you are unable to attend but would like to submit questions for the FAQ session please submit them via the above email address.

Online: Tuesday 13^th January 10-11am

On 25th November Devon's first Sustainable Schools Conference took place, bringing together 80 teachers and staff from primary, secondary, early years, and special schools to share ideas and create practical plans to tackle climate change.

The Co-Chairs of our Food in Schools Working Group (in the photo) delivered a presentation and ran a hands-on workshop.

It was also an opportunity for schools to come together and seek advice on creating a climate action plan - you can find out more about this on our website.

Read more about Devon's first schools sustainability conference here

Sustain the Alliance for Food and Farming has produced a reflection of this year's 'gifts for children's food and health'. 

At DFP we supported the strengthening of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy and the upcoming ban on sales of high caffein drinks to under 16's. Our Food in Schools group works to increase access of nutritious and locally grown food to children, and improve food and farming education. 

Read Sustain's round-up of gifts to children's food and health

Devon County Council received national media coverage for leading the way on auto enrolment for free school meals.

This means more than 1,000 pupils in Devon, who were entitled to free school meals but not previously receiving them, are now getting free meals at school.

Read the BBC News article 'Free school meals for 1,300 more children in Devon'

Find us on Stand G8 at The Source Trade Show!

Please come and say hello and see how we can work better together. 

Tuesday 3rd & Wednesday 4th February, Westpoint, Exeter

Register for free entry or to become an exhibitor

Applications are now open for the UK’s first Level 3 Award in Regenerative & Sustainable Hospitality, starting 5 February 2026. Delivered by The Bull Inn in partnership with The Apricot Centre and Train4Tomorrow, this Ofqual-certified programme equips future leaders with practical skills to implement ethical supply chains, reduce waste, and champion sustainability. With funding available for Devon-based applicants, this 8-week course is an opportunity to lead positive change in food and drink. Places are limited, apply now. https://www.bullinntotnes.co.uk/nobull-learning

eat:Festivals, the award-winning event organisers behind over 10 festivals across Devon, are now open for 2026 applications.

Focusing on primary producers, makers, growers, fermenters and creatives, these free to attend one-day festivals happen from April to December in Totnes, Bideford, Tavistock, Dawlish, Axminster, Exmouth, Honiton, Tiverton, Exeter and Cranbrook. 

Head over to eatfestivals website to read more and apply

Prosper and the Growth Hub are hosting two workshops on “AI for Business Productivity,” designed to help local businesses boost efficiency, save time, and cut costs:

💻 Online Webinar: Wednesday 14^th January, 5:30pm-7:00pm

📍 In-Person Workshop (Tiverton): Wednesday 21^st January, 9:15am-12:30pm

Register for the online webinar here

Register for the in-person workshop here

Spaces are limited – register for your free ticket and start 2026 with confidence!

Netshift CIC Decarbonisation Programme is open to businesses in Teignbridge, West Devon and South Hams District Councils.

To find out more or register your interest, visit:  https://bipc.librariesunlimited.org.uk/decarbonisation-plans/