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ECFI Growing and Sourcing

>>Find out more about local growing projects

ECFI is aware that much of the produce we source and supply comes from all over the world as part of the globalised agricultural system This system is being increasingly criticised in many quarters for its unsustainable practices. For example the large distances that produce has to travel uses up huge quantities of oil and therefore contributes to CO2 emissions and global warming.

We have made a commitment to address this situation wherever possible across all our various programmes. For instance in 2001 we started a number of initiatives to support small local producers who grow their fruit and vegetables in a more sustainable way. By sourcing locally we are reducing our "food miles" and also giving local farmers extra revenue by eliminating wholesalers and "middle-men" Organic farming could also be considered another more sustainable production method as it reduces the chemicals it uses in its production.

It should be centred on local producers, retailers and consumers. It should be low input, Minimising the use of chemicals wherever possible in its production and transportation It should be profitable and create real jobs. It should have a human and animal health focus Produce that cannot be produced locally should be fairly traded. It should be fair to its employees It should be environmentally beneficial It should be accessible to all. It should be socially inclusive. It should celebrate other food cultures. It should be seasonally orientated.

At each of our community co-ops we hold a seasonal promotion every quarter where we buy a particular fruit or vegetable from a local farmer. We then give some of this produce to each of our customers free of charge together with recipe ideas and practical cooking demonstrations. At each event we try to promote the advantages of local growing and give information on how this could be achieved. This has proven to be popular with 12 events having taken place so far. We have done promotions centered around parsnips, cauliflowers, berries and organic salad packs. These have been so successful that we have since 2004 tried to incorporate locally grown organic produce at the co-ops on a weekly basis. During the summer produce such as organic spinach, cucumber, courgette, mixed salad and herbs are regularly supplied to us by a local community farm run by the Cyrenians charity whilst throughout the winter of 2004-2005 much of our potatoes were supplied to us by an organic grower in East Lothian. It is hoped by the year 2006-2007 10% of our co-op produce will be supplied to us by local growers.

Fresher fruit and vegetables are higher in vitamins and should be healthier They benefit local communities economically They tend to improvement communities environmentally They facilitate community interaction They present many educational opportunities They encourage sustainable land use