Did you know…
- 95% of our fruit comes from abroad
- Half of our vegetables are imported
- In 2019 the UK imported about £6.6 billion worth of meat products & exported about £2.1 billion
- The UK produces 60% of what it needs to feed itself
- While only 1% of food is transported by air, it accounts for 11% in carbon emissions
The Green Changes you can make
- Green Change 12 – establish community allotments or orchards
- Green Change 13 – buy & use local seasonal produce
- Green Change 14 – when buying produce & products check your provider is doing their bit to be green
Who’s already making the change?
- Conwy and Denbighshire support & promote local producers in the area through the Clywdian Range Food Trail and the Conwy Naturiol food brand
- There are lots of community groups running orchards across Conwy & Denbighshire – visit the Orchard Network to find your local group
- Find local Welsh food and drink providers by searching the Food Innovation Wales producers directory
Ideas to help you on your way
- Buy products from certified schemes, such as FairTrade, FSC Certified Wood, MSC Certified Seafood and Farm Assured Meat
- When safe to do so, share any spare fruit and vegetables that community members might be growing by having a designated community area for drop offs & pick ups
- When safe to do so, remember that Community fridges are a great way for householders & organisations to share leftover food locally. It helps to build community trust & engagement and reduces food waste at the same time!
Advice and guidance
Here is some useful guidance to community led food growing, allotments and ways to minimise waste (such as composting and recycling) –
- Welsh Government – provides guidance for growers and growing groups
- Social Farm and Gardens – has lots of information, including a useful community growing resource pack detailing how to set up, develop & sustain growing spaces
- Incredible Edible Network – has lots of ideas, advice and resources for community growing projects
- Orchard Network – provides top tips to setting up community orchards
- Local councils are responsible for allocating allotments, find out more about allotments in Conwy and allotments in Denbighshire by visiting their websites
Funding and support
Here are some possible funding sources & details where you can access further specialist support – but remember there are more sources out there too…
- National Allotment Society – Provides information on possible funding sources for allotments
- Social Farms & Gardens – Provides information on possible funding sources for community growing schemes in Wales
- Lottery Community Fund – Provides information on community grants available in Wales
- Funding Cymru – Funding portal helping charities, community groups & social organisations find funding opportunities in their local area
- Community & Voluntary Support Conwy and Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council provide advice and support on funding opportunities
