12 04 2010
PRESS RELEASE
COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECT IS NOW A STEP CLOSER.
A community group in South East Cornwall is now a step closer to taking over the running of an 18 acre organic farm with the intension of providing healthly organic food for the local community. After 5 months of consulation and discussion the group has now formalised its aims and objectives and is ready to incorporate as a cooperative under the name of "Trevalon Organic Cooperative".
"Trevalon Organic Cooperative", membership will include, customers, growers, food producers and land owners and intends to rent and take over the running of "Trevalon", an 18 acre organic farm near Herodsfoot in South East Cornwall.
Up until now the land has been managed by Mark Simon who has owned the land since 2005 and currently grows organic vegetables and runs a box scheme.
When asked why he now wanted to rent the land to a community group, Mark replied,
"Trevalon Organic Coopertive, is about creating a partnership between, the land owner, food producers, customers and the community, that will be to the benefit of everyone involved"
As a member of the cooperative Mark will still grow vegetables on part of the land and "Trevalon Organic Cooperative" intends to offer other people use of the land to grow vegetables, keep livestock, benefit wildlife and for recreation and education. Produce will be marketed collectively through the box scheme run by "Trevalon Organic Cooperative" on behalf of its members. People have already expressed and interest in helping grow vegetables, having allotment spaces, keeping hens, sheep and bees and running education courses.
The process began back in November 2009 when a public meeting was held in Liskeard and was attended by over 50 people. Out of that meeting a core group was formed who have been working together to come up with a plan to allow the community to take over the running of the farm. The project has been supported by Unltd, The Soil Association, The Plunkett Foundation and Cooperatives UK who have provided resources and specialist advice.
"Trevalon Organic Cooperative" now intends to formally register with the FSA and will soon be inviting people who want to get invloved to become members.
For more information about "Trevalon Organic Cooperative" see www.trevalon.co.uk
ENDS
More information contact Mark Simon
mark@trevalon.co.uk
07986 093699
also see links below:
General information and online shop www.trevalon.co.uk
Trevalon habitat management plan http://www.trevalon.co.uk/docs/TrevalonSurvey.pdf
Trevalon Organic Cooperative, aims and objectives http://www.trevalon.co.uk/docs/Aims&Objectives.pdf
Pictures of Trevalon http://picasaweb.google.com/mark.trevalon/Vegetables#
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Trevalon Links
This is your chance to get involved in
THE FUTURE OF TREVALON
Trevalon is 16.5 acres of farmland near Herodsfoot. It is south facing with small fields surrounded by mature hedges. There is a stream, woodland, springs, ponds, orchard, vegetable plots and grassland. It is organic certified and is a haven for wildlife.
Currently the land is used to grow fruit and vegetables supplying 80 vegetable boxes a week, delivered to homes in SE Cornwall. We sell four sizes of vegetable box, £6, £10, £13 and £16.
Trevalon now wants to open to the community, and give you the chance to help manage the land, take part in growing your own food on community plots and allotments, and become involved in making Trevalon more sustainable.
This is your chance to become involved in Trevalon Community Supported Agriculture Project (CSA) and create a partnership between the farmer and the community, working together to produce local healthy food at affordable prices.
What are the BENEFITS OF A CSA?
A chance to receive FRESH FOOD from a known local source,
A sense of BELONGING TO A COMMUNITY, an opportunity to CONNECT WITH THE LAND, have access to the farm for EDUCATION, WORK and LEISURE, play an active part in SUPPORTING A LOCAL SUSTAINABLE ENTERPRISE.
A Community Cooperative has been formed, called Trevalon Organic Cooperative, The public meeting is a chance to come and find out more and get involved. If you want to put forward ideas and discuss the many possibilities you are invited to join and attend the AGM for members.
Small farms are a valuable part of the local economy and landscape. They need your support. Producing food locally is an important part of creating a sustainable future, reducing food miles and carbon emissions and increasing healthy lifestyles.
Its win win - NOW AND FOR THE FUTURE!
ORDER A VEGBOX or go on the mailing list, email: janice@trevalon.co.uk, telephone: 01579326144, or visit the online shop at trevalon.co.uk.