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Islanders are being invited to meet and engage with Jersey's growers and producers in a a series of farm open days.
From organic smallholdings to farms of various sizes, all growers share an interest in nurturing local ecological habitats, protecting natural resources and producing wonderful food.
Launched by the Sustainable Cooperative (SCOOP), the open days are aimed at those interested or actively involved in sustainable regenerative farming practices and local food systems.
They look to create a network of support among existing growers and those who might be considering a farming future, while also connecting local producers with consumers, to foster a greater understanding and appreciation towards the work they do to provide for the local community.
A tour of each farm will be followed by some delicious food, prepared with some of the ingredients grown or produced on the site.
The first Open Day is taking place at La Source in St. Ouen on Sunday (8 May), with organic smallholders Helen Weston and Mark Forskitt, who grow a range of vegetables, orchard apples and soft fruits, while experimenting with more unusual crops, such as Oca Potatoes and Yacon.
This will be followed by some food at Birdsong Garden, a local charity and permaculture project situated on part of the smallholding.
Pictured: Those who join the open days will have the opportunity to taste locally grown produce.
The team behind SCOOP say the idea came about as they realised not many local growers are in regular contact and had barely visited each other's farms - they therefore decided to organise yearly gatherings to help them meet up and support one another.
They hope that the exchange of knowledge will help the island deal with the challenge of relying on imported food - something that is being made more difficult as a result of Brexit, the pandemic and current war in Ukraine.
Anyone who would like to reserve a space at one of the Farm Open Days can email scoop@scoop.org.je or click here.
La Source / Birdsong Garden, St Ouen
Greengro, St Peter
Jersey Tea Company, St Helier
Dave Priaulx, St Ouen
Jersey Zoo Farm, Trinity
Le Tacheron, Trinity
Sprouts Club, St Martin
Anneville Farm, St Martin
Blanc Pignon, St Peter
Forge Farm, St John (tbc)
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