Following last year's successful event, Ballydehob's own Local Food Production Day returns... Once again the event is to be held in the beautiful grounds of An Sanctoir, with yet another full and inspiring day's programme running from 10.30am through to 5pm. There will be no entrance charge but donations will be collected on the day.
Food icon, Peter Ward from Country Choice (Nenagh, Co.Tipperary) will be making an appearance, giving his inspiring angle on the benefits to be gained through growing food locally. As seen on Late Late Show for Pat Kenny Finale night, Peter is a mover and shaker who really makes things happen. He and his wife Mary have been part of the Irish Culinary scene for 25 years. He has a strong passion for promoting good food that is produced as locally as possible, nutritious, well prepared and well presented. He has aspired to the principles of Good Food Ireland which links local producers, farmers, and fishermen with the hospitality sector. He also promotes the cause of artisan food producers all over Ireland: it is these whom he feels are the foundation stone on which our food culture is built.
Another highlight of the event will be in taking a look at two CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) schemes that have been run - with encouraging results - on the Sheep's Head Peninsula this past growing season. In these schemes, farmers have been employed through individuals buying shares for the growing of potato and oat crops. Here is an ideal opportunity for finding out more about how they went, what difficulties arose, and what opportunities and possibilities such schemes could offer for the future.
Other talks, presentations and practical demonstrations include: how to build simple cloches for your garden; apple pressing; the ongoing plight of bees and beekeepers, with the continuing decline of the bee population, and the effects this has on food security.
Competitions are also being lined up for:
Bring along your wellies (not only for following the nature trails, but also so you can join in the wellie-throwing games being lined up! There will also be face-painting for the children, so the day should prove to be a fun and educational event for all the family. There will be a selection of local foods and home produce in the café to taste and enjoy, with music from local musicians to entertain you whilst you eat lunch. There will also be a small selection of stalls selling local produce.
All proceeds from this event will go towards furthering the aims and objectives of the Ballydehob Food Group. Final programme information can be found on the websites of An Sanctoir and Growing Awareness.
To find out more about the group and its activities please email ballydehobfoodgroup@gmail.com or phone Caz on 028 25978. The group currently meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 8pm, in Vincent Coughlan's Pub. New people are always welcome, and sub-groups are formed to look at specific projects and tasks being proposed.