South Tyrone's Food Futures
South Tyrone's Food Futures
South Tyrone's Food Futures is a local partnership project co-ordinated by Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council which aims to get more local, including organic, food to local people. The scheme, run in co-operation with the Soil Association, was launched in Dungannon in June 2000 and through a series of workshops, brought together local farmers, food processors, retailers, community representatives and statutory agencies.
A number of projects emerged including an organic group raising awareness among and providing support for local farmers interested in conversion and the development of a 'basket' of local produce for promotion in shops across the district. The project won a Green Apple Award in 2001 for its success throughout the borough.
What does this mean?
The basis is on the current 'supermarket culture' of shopping does not suit everyone and that a significant percentage of consumers would like an alternative for some or all of the food they eat.
The food links programme is developing a variety of methods for farmers to market their produce directly to the public, providing a better income for the farmer, good quality local food for local people and rebuilding the economy by recycling local money within the community.
