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Telephone     01286 650369

The farm and the farmers…

The Village Veg farm is situated half way up a very wet hill in the middle of Waunfawr, a village just outside of Caernarfon.  The farm is small with only 13 acres and not a flat field in sight.  However, we have somehow managed to turn the farm into a giant vegetable patch.

The vegetables at Village Veg farm are grown naturally, using stream water for irrigation and farmyard manure for fertiliser.  We use big nets to cover vegetables that are more prone to pest attack, such as cabbages, carrots etc. We use a sustainable approach to our farming methods and lovingly care for each vegetable, from the moment it is sown to the day it is harvested and delivered to our customers.

In order to provide a wide and varied choice beyond what we are able to grow currently, we search for produce of the best value and quality and that is as local as possible. We are cooperating with producers based in Gwynedd and Anglesey.  However, due to availability, we will sometimes need to source produce from further a field – particulary in the winter/early spring time (this is called the ‘hungry gap’ traditionally because there are very few veg still producing at the time of year).  When we do outsource, priority will be given to finding the best quality produce which is grown closest to the area, and from the UK.

If you’re even contemplating the idea of buying local food, then you’re a long way ahead of most consumers.

Food miles are a big issue.

It’s estimated that 40% of the trucks on our roads are involved in the food industry. That’s an awful lot of carbon dioxide, greenhouse gases, diesel and noise pollution.

But with the trend towards large supermarkets, many local food stores have now closed. Most villages used to have a green grocer and a butcher, but they went when the out-of-town supermarket arrived (although this is the opposte here in Waunfawr – we now have a local butcher and greengrocer (Us!)….).

Why should you care?

The greengrocer knew most of his suppliers. His produce hadn’t travelled very far. It was fresh and tasty – and he could give you advice on how to cook it.

The butcher knew the farmers who had reared his meat. He knew how the cattle had been fed and treated. It was important to him that the farmers maintained high standards of animal welfare – he knew it made the meat taste better.

But supermarket meat often comes from countries that have little regulation of welfare standards or animal feed controls.

So it’s worth buying food sourced in the UK, whenever you can.

But “UK” isn’t really local, is it? Strictly speaking, no. But it’s a good start.

However, “local” really means within 20 to 30 miles of your home.

 And that’s where a box scheme, farm shop or farmers’ market helps.

These mean you’re buying directly from the producer, where possible.

At the end of the day, only you can decide how far you want to take the idea of buying “local”. For some, that will mean only truly local farmers. For others, nationwide networks of UK producers will be ok.

 But whatever you choose, your food will be fresher, tastier and better for the environment.

Isn’t local more expensive? Actually, most of the time it’s cheaper! Why?

Because you’re buying from the farmers. So there’s no middle-man in the supermarket food chain. You are also buying what’s in season, so there’s no premium for air freighting.

So why not check out your local food providers next time you shop. Every little effort makes a difference. And, you never know, it might be the start of something delicious!