Jay Fletcher, a crop-sharer with the Plot, shares her food-growing journey and connection with local food producers, encouraging others to get involved.
We’re incredibly blessed by North Lancashire’s devoted farmers, artisan food and drink producers, and organisations like Food Futures. I’m going to share how to benefit from their bounty, support them in turn, and even join their ranks.
My involvement in food growing originated from a desire to have affordable organic produce, and to reduce dependency on intensively-farmed food from within a fragile supply chain. You can bag seeds for pennies in bargain shops, or for free via seed-libraries and DIY seed-saving. Seedlings can be nurtured in a sunny spot at home.
Taking on an allotment was an exciting part of my food journey. I learned that food production requires skill, and a significant investment of time, and things tend to not go to plan ‘when there’s weather involved’. I now have the joy and privilege of working the
allotment with friends.
My food-growing endeavours deepen my appreciation for the dedication of local producers, working come rain or shine to supply us with food and drink. I began actively seeking them out and discovered the Plot.
The Plot grows tasty organic veg which you can order online and have delivered. ‘Supermarket-convenience’ while supporting local growers too! I subscribe to their seasonal crop-share veg box scheme. Member subscriptions ensure that growers are guaranteed an income during the season and help them plan crops and harvests.
The Plot also runs FarmStart – horticulture and business training for local people who want to learn how to grow and produce food for the market. Besides growing tasty organic food, FarmStart graduates have landed jobs including a farm’s Head Grower, and one even established a national campaign for a universal basic income for farmers.
Supporting the Plot rewards me in having the pleasure of knowing the people who grow my food. Listening to the highs and lows of their growing season – which crops thrived, which were gobbled up by slugs – enhances my gratitude for the food I receive.
So, you can order great local produce online, join this year’s crop-share, or apply to join FarmStart Training next year – but there’s more! For £5 per month, you can become a FoodFriend – join the small society lottery that allows all of this work to happen. You’ll be entered into the monthly draw to win a £30 voucher to spend at local businesses.
I invite you to join me in reflection on your relationship with the food and drink you consume, and how it affects your health, spirit and community.
