Make the most of an amazing training opportunity to learn how to set up an organic food growing business from the growers themselves this Autumn. We have a growing market for organic local food, an amazing network of support and training straight from the field – what's stopping you?!
We are in the unusual position in Greater Manchester, of having a market for local organic produce that actually pays the cost of production, not the volatile market prices! But we need more crops, and therefore more organic commercial growers local to Greater Manchester.
To try and address this, and grow more growers to supply the likes of Manchester Veg People, Unicorn Grocery and Dig Food, we are running a unique four and a half day course for people who are interested in starting up a market garden/veg growing business.
The course, is being organised as part of Kindling’s Greater Manchester Land Army and Big Dig projects and is being taught by the experts themselves on their farms with: Jenny Griggs of Climate Friendly Food at Fir Tree Farm, Glebelands City Growers and Moss Brook Growers.
The training will run on four consecutive Saturdays from the September 22nd to the 20th October and will involve additional placement days at local organic farms.
The course will cover the key areas for setting up and running an organic food growing enterprise, including:
- Introduction to setting up a commercial veg production enterprise e.g. legal, records, H&S, working with volunteers, seed sowing schedule.
- Understanding and maintaining soil fertility (a foundation of organic veg production)
- Commercial small scale market gardening – focusing on plant propagation and salad leaf production
- Field scale veg production
- Pests and diseases.
- Machinery maintenance
- Finances and running a small business.
Anyone interested in becoming an organic grower for Greater Manchester, who can commit to all the days of the course (including the placements – though days for this can be negotiated), can apply for a place on the course.
This course is free (Funded by Making Local Food Work), but a deposit will be required. Places on this training are limited so please get in touch now to avoid disappointment.
To book your place please contact helen@kindling.org.uk or call 0161 226 2242