A new project called Tyfu Dyfi - food, nature and well-being is aiming to show how communities can be involved in their local food systems. It will work throughout the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere area and be led by local development trust ecodyfi.
A range of activities are planned to stimulate short local supply chains. At the food production end, the project will help establish community growing sites. These may be existing sites in need of some attention, or new sites such as community gardens, allotments, forest gardens, community orchards, or ideas for food forests, etc. Tyfu Dyfi will also provide professional level horticultural training and demonstrate that Wales can be more self-sufficient in food.
Chris Higgins the Project Co-ordinator said, “The project’s intention is to increase the market for fresh, healthy, local produce and stimulate local business. An innovative on-line food hub will be set up to assist sourcing, selling, buying and distributing greater volumes of locally grown produce.”
“Opportunities will be provided for those who want to volunteer, to attend workshops in growing, cooking and nutrition - and for farmers and growers who want to increase their knowledge of production. The value of biodegradable waste will be demonstrated through opportunities to be involved in composting”, he added.
To maximise the benefits to people’s well-being, the project will collaborate with the Dyfi Biosphere project “Trywydd Iach – outdoor health” in helping people be active outdoors, for example in community gardening. It will also help wildlife by including space for nature within any new horticultural sites.
The pilot project will take place over the next two years as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves which the Dyfi Biosphere is part of. It will contribute to ensuring more sustainable food production and consumption, based on an agroecological vision of the future - a more vibrant and diverse rural economy, where food production relies upon biodiversity and helps mitigate the effects of climate change.
Tyfu Dyfi is a partnership between ecodyfi, Mach Maethlon, Garden Organic, Aber Food Surplus, Aberystwyth University, Penparcau Community Forum, and the Centre for Alternative Technology.
Tyfu Dyfi has received almost £700,000 through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
It is a response to the need for food security and to the climate and biodiversity crises. The project’s Communication Officer Arfon Hughes said,
“We have grown used to a range of food being available at all times of the year a short car journey away. Empty shelves over the last few weeks and months are a warning that our food system is not as resilient as we once thought.”
For more information and to stay updated on the project, see the project website: https://www.dyfibiosphere.wales/tyfudyfi