Supporting Our Farmers
Supporting Our Farmers for a Sustainable Future
Wealden Food Partnership is dedicated to empowering local farmers by addressing key challenges and championing sustainable farming practices. Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient food system that benefits both our community and the environment.
Addressing Local Infrastructure Needs
Our farmers face significant challenges due to the lack of local infrastructure, such as abattoirs and livestock markets. Wealden Food Partnership advocates for investment in these essential facilities to help farmers process and market their produce locally, reducing transportation costs and supporting the local economy.
We also collaborate on solutions to improve access to local markets through our Connecting Local Buyers and Suppliers initiatives, ensuring that locally-produced food reaches consumers more efficiently.
Promoting Sustainable and Regenerative Farming
We champion the innovative work of our farmers who are adopting sustainable and regenerative farming practices. By using techniques that enhance soil health, reduce chemical inputs, and increase biodiversity, these farmers are not only producing high-quality food but also playing a vital role in mitigating climate change.
We support these efforts by promoting their work and encouraging the adoption of environmentally-friendly farming methods across the district.
Enhancing Food Security and Land Use
Food security is closely tied to how land is used and managed. We work with local authorities and farmers to ensure land use planning supports sustainable agriculture and food production. By protecting farmland from development and promoting policies that favour local food production, we aim to build a more secure and resilient food system for the future.
Developing the Twinning Programme
Our Twinning programme fosters strong connections between local schools and farmers. This initiative helps educate the next generation about food production, sustainability, and the importance of supporting local agriculture. By linking schools with nearby farms, we create opportunities for students to learn firsthand about where their food comes from and how it’s produced.
This reciprocal relationship not only enriches food education but also encourages local food procurement, supporting our farmers and the wider community.
Championing Local Farming Initiatives
Wealden Food Partnership celebrates the hard work and dedication of our local farmers. We advocate for their contributions to the community and the environment, highlighting their role in adopting climate-friendly practices and increasing biodiversity. Through events, campaigns, and collaborations, we bring attention to the vital role farmers play in our local food system.
Get Involved
Whether you’re a farmer looking for support, an educator interested in our Twinning programme, or a consumer passionate about local food, there are many ways to get involved. Join us in supporting the farmers who feed our community and help build a more sustainable future for Wealden.