Sustain and the Soil Association are running a national information sharing and networking event for food co-ops, organic buying groups and CSAs  “Good Food for Local Communities - What's the Recipe"

Aims of the day

The main aim of the day is to bring together community food initiatives from across the country to share information and explore new ideas.  We have therefore devoted most of the day to smaller group workshops giving you the chance to ask specific questions of other similar food projects, such as veg box schemes, student run food co-ops or community supported bakeries; and also to discuss common issues you've encountered and how to resolve them.

This is a FREE event and a vegan lunch using local organic produce is being provided.

Audience

The day is open to food co-ops, organic buying groups, community supported agriculture schemes and other similar community food outlets, and is aimed at both existing projects and those just starting up.

Workshops

As well as talking to similar initiatives we hope this event will provide you with the opportunity to learn about things you may not have thought about before, such as expanding the range of produce you sell, working more directly with local growers or supplying food via different locations like schools or workplaces.

• 20 October 2010 10.30am - 4pm
• Bath Place at the Old Library, Leamington Spa
• E-mail: foodcoopssustainweb [dot] org to book

Visit to Canalside Community Farm, Leamington Spa on Tuesday 19 October 2.00-5.00pm

For those arriving the day before the conference there is the option to join an afternoon visit to Canalside Community Farm, a CSA which is providing the vegetables for our lunch at the event. There will be a farm tour and talk, and an opportunity to see the vegetable growing and to meet the people involved. If you’re interested in CSA structures or just in visiting a working farm then this is well worth attending. We will be organising free bus-taxis to and from the station in Leamington Spa at a specified time.

Evening networking opportunity 19 October

If you fancy supper in a local pub after your farm tour and the opportunity to meet other delegates, we’ll be booking a table in a nearby pub, so let us know on the booking form if you want to join in?  For those needing to stay over, we’ll be sending out info on local B&Bs shortly. (Please note that you are responsible for your own accommodation and paying for pub meals).