The current ongoing CoronaVirus crisis has shown us all how quickly things can change when things beyond the human sphere of control impact on our day to day lives. Many of us, who have been concerned, and in different ways preparing for climate emergency, see the current crisis as both a taste of what is to come as well as an opportunity to develop new ways of doing things. One of the stark and obvious impacts of the current situation has been food, how people access it, where it comes from, what happens when demand out strips supply. Within the current context supply chains have remained intact and it has been about getting the shelves stacked rather than actually securing supplies. However, it gives us a small taste of what it would be like if, and when, our existing supply chains begin to falter in the face of the Climate Emergency. The current food system makes it extremely difficult for small growers to make a living, but the UN and other sources clearly state that small farms are the only way to feed the world in a sustainable way going forwards. (and in fact, most of the world is fed this way at the moment).
What we do
Selling food: We are a non-profit wholesaler, who buys food from a variety of local growers and producers (fruit, veg, salad, eggs, bread, and other artisan products), and distributes them to restaurants and local people. Growers can drop off in one place, and save time with collective marketing, ordering and delivery. It’s easier for buyers to source local and organic food, as they can order from one place. Caterers can benefit from our marketing to show people that they are buying local and organic.
Growing food: We enable more food growing by providing an easy and profitable route to market, as well as a network of support, training and access to land to help new farmers be successful.
Community: Leeds Patchwork farm provides a direct link between farmers and buyers, creating a thriving and mutually beneficial community around food. Local people can visit farms, attend events and connect with growers in person, as well as online.
We are drawing inspiration from a few projects around the UK: