The long-term future of community supported agriculture (CSA) – a way for local people and farmers to work in partnership – is the focus of an important event in South Wales, on the 23rd February, when practitioners from as far afield as China gather to discuss working together to ensure their success.

The number of community supported agriculture projects in Wales and the rest of the UK has increased rapidly during the past five years, as people become more interested in where their food comes from. This event, organised by the Federation of City Farms & Community Gardens (FCFCG) and Organic Centre Wales at the Coed Hills Rural Art space in Cowbridge, will bring together people involved in CSA projects to share knowledge, support each other and work together.

The meeting will also see the launch of a ‘CSA survival guide’, created by The Organic Research Centre on behalf of Organic Centre Wales. The guide is based on the experience of the CSA projects across the globe with a particular focus on Wales. By highlighting common factors shared by projects that both succeed and those that fail, it provides invaluable guidance for projects of all sizes and models.

‘CSA is an idea whose time has come’ said Tony Little from Organic Centre Wales. ‘It gives people access to organic and sustainably produced food at fair prices; it provides more secure markets for producers; it helps build links with local communities and gets people out into the fresh air and exercising. The movement is at a pivotal stage in its development and it needs to pull together to move onto the next stage of development.’

Rupert Dunn, South West Wales Development Worker for FCFCG added; ‘Community growing projects are becoming more focussed on generating an income and not being so reliant on grant funding. CSA offers a great opportunity to explore selling produce, get more people involved on the land, growing food, and creating employment in the process. The UK gathering in the splendid surrounds of Coed Hills will be an opportunity not to be missed to learn from inspiring example, and who knows, maybe even return to start one yourself?’

The event is free and is for anyone involved in CSA or would like to start a project. For more information and to book a place visit the FCFCG website or contact Rupert Dunn: rupert@farmgarden.org.uk Tel 01834 869927