A GROUP of growers are sowing the seeds for a new agricultural project which aims to create a partnership between the community and food growers.

The project aims to promote local food and connect people with the land where their food is grown.

Setting up on a two-acre site on Warren Farm, part of the Brockhampton National Trust estate near Bromyard, the land will be used to create a Community Supported Agriculture scheme (CSA).

CSAs allow producers and consumers to share the risks and rewards of growing food, ensuring security for the farmer while giving people access to good, locally produced fruit and vegetables and a connection to the land.

Working on a membership basis, members of the scheme not only get a share of the harvest but also a chance to become involved in the growing of it, through farm days and seasonal social events.

Kevin Godfrey, head grower, said: “It’s a fabulous site to be growing on. There’s a lot to do but we’re confident that come the spring, things will be well under way and we’ll begin to harvest our first crops.” The land is being lent to the project by James Hawkins, the farmer at Warren Farm, which also rears Herefordshire Cattle and produces its own rapeseed oil and spelt flour.

Mr Hawkins said: “It’s great to see this plot of land being used.

Projects such as this are a great way for farmers to share resources and knowledge and work together to achieve more, both for themselves and for the community, than they could alone.”

A public meeting will be held at Bromyard public hall on Saturday, March 9, at 3pm for people to find out more, get involved and share their thoughts on how they would like the project to evolve. More details can be found at warrenfarmveg.co.uk.