Local Assembly Member Paul Davies recently visited Caerhys Farm in St David’s to hear about the Farm’s Organic Community Agriculture Scheme and to learn more about how the scheme works in practice. The volunteers work together to grow seasonal produce and then that produce is distributed amongst its members. Sharers pay a monthly membership, and once a week visit the Farm or the nearest pick-up point to collect their share of the produce.
Mr Davies said, “Community Supported Agriculture is certainly on the rise across the UK and so I was delighted to visit Caerhys Farm to learn more about the Farm’s Organic Community Agriculture Scheme. It’s very much a partnership in which the responsibilities, risks and rewards of farming are shared and there a number of benefits to farming this way, as it connects the farm with the local community and also has a positive impact on the wellbeing of those involved. Indeed, this style of farming could be good for the sustainability of farming as an industry in the future and it’s great to see this activity taking place here in Pembrokeshire.”
He added, “As a result of this type of farming, Gerald Miles’ son Carwyn was able to return to the family farm and receive a wage as a grower and so it’s crucial that farmers across Wales recognise the impact that this style of farming could have on the future of family run farms. Of course, the volunteers work together on the land directly managing the produce and maintaining a sustainable local partnership that’s not just good for their health, but for their wellbeing too – and so the benefits of this farming is clear for all to see. Therefore, I sincerely wish the scheme well and look forward to hearing it go from strength to strength in the future. For more information on this farm and how it operates, please visit www.coca-csa.org.
