New Ross Standard

Locals take Simple Food Pledge

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A NEW food network, aimed at promoting the small food producers who farm sustainabl­y and supply locally, was launched in T Morris.

Your Local Food Network was founded by Wexford native Karen Nolan and hosts an online directory of small food producers, as well as businesses that support these producers by regularly buying from them.

Despite horrendous weather conditions, a lively crowd attended the launch for bubbles, banter, music and camaraderi­e. Music was provided by Laura Hyland, Mike Rafferty, and Declan Cosgrave, to start the evening.

They were followed by a short talk by Karen on the workings of the Simple Food Pledge.

She explained how the pledge is a marketing tool for local food producers who farm organicall­y, or without the addition of synthetic chemicals, and how it will could them a louder voice in the market place.

She said: ‘Our producers sign the pledge form where they promise to farm according to our principals, and agree to open their smallholdi­ng one day a year to the public. When customers see the pledge symbol they instantly know who, where and how their food is being produced and they can be sure that they are supporting the local economy.’

Food producers were presented with their Simple Food Pledge signs before attention moved on to the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon by special guest, Elaine Garde.

Ms Garde spoke briefly about her award-winning project, Future Orchard Trust Cork, and outlined her experience with Community Supported Agricultur­e.

She encouraged collaborat­ion among growers and wished the new network every success for the future.

 ??  ?? At the launch of the Local Food Network were food suppliers, back row: Des Thorpe, Alan Kennedy, Mervyn Morrison, Mick Walsh, Willie Considine and Phil Coffey. Front: Elaine Garde, Michelle Morrison and organiser Karen Nolan.
At the launch of the Local Food Network were food suppliers, back row: Des Thorpe, Alan Kennedy, Mervyn Morrison, Mick Walsh, Willie Considine and Phil Coffey. Front: Elaine Garde, Michelle Morrison and organiser Karen Nolan.
 ??  ?? Stefan Wueff and Elaine Garde.
Stefan Wueff and Elaine Garde.
 ??  ?? Rebecca Gangnus and Ruth O’Connor.
Rebecca Gangnus and Ruth O’Connor.

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