Cloughjordan Community Farm
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AgroBRIDGES Good Practice Recording Template |
| Author(s) | Maeve Henchion, Teagasc |
| Insert photo or any visual image or diagram e.g. /Word or Image Collage | https://youtu.be/FLphUamn3b0 |
| Choose a primary theme that the Good Practice adheres to (three themes can be considered: | Mutual benefits between primary producers and consumers |
| If relevant choose a secondary theme that the Good Practice adheres to | Education and awareness raising practices |
| If relevant choose a tertiary theme that the Good Practice adheres to | |
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EIP Practice Abstract Format:
Short summary for practitioners in English on the (final or expected) outcomes (1000-1500 characters, word count – no spaces).This summary should be as interesting as possible for farmers/end-users, using a direct and easy understandable language and pointing out entrepreneurial elements which are particularly relevant for practitioners. Research oriented aspects which do not help the understanding of the practice itself should be avoided. |
Cloughjordan Community Farm is a member-owned farm in rural Ireland. It focuses on biodynamic and organic farming methods to produce high quality horticultural produce. Founded in 2008, it provides food to over 70 households in the area. Membership costs €16 per week for one adult (payable by monthly direct debit) with in-season farm fresh fruit and vegetables, delivered twice a week to a central collection point in the village (Membership increases by family size, with no charge for children). Members receive regular harvest reports and farm news (via email and social media), and also have access to regular farm walks, community meals and educational events; they have free or low cost access to all of training and educational events. Hands on training is also provided to volunteers, many of whom are identified through the international ESC network. A calendar indicates which crops are available, when, and also indicates that some produce is self-harvest, thereby encouraging farm visits. |
| Main results/outcomes of the activity (expected or final): Cloughjordan Community Farm provides locally sourced seasonal horticultural produce to 70+ local households, with wages and other expenses covered through membership fees. | |
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Short summary for practitioners in native language on the (final or expected) outcomes (1000-1500 characters, word count – no spaces).
This summary should be as interesting as possible for farmers/end-users, using a direct and easy understandable language and pointing out entrepreneurial elements which are particularly relevant for practitioners. Research oriented aspects which do not help the understanding of the practice itself should be avoided. |
Further information: https://cloughjordancommunityfarm.ie/seasonal-food/ |
| Pearls, Puzzles, Proposals? | Pearls: This farm is linked into a wider eco-village in rural Ireland. It is located alongside fifty five carbon-friendly houses and a biodiversity garden on a 67-acre site. Puzzles: The inclusive nature of the enterprise is evident in its international labour force, including volunteer workers. How dependent is the farm on vulunteer labour? Proposals: It would be interesting to see how the farm could connect with other training and skills development activities nationally and internationally. |
| What needs did the ‘good practice’ respond to? | Cloughjordan Community Farm provides consumers with locally grown, seasonal produce, and a place to which they are closely connected. They know the farmers and growers, the fields and tunnels where the foods is produced, have seen how it is produced, and receive regular updates about the farm, its activities and the wider community associated with the farm. From a producers’ perspective it provides a conduit to explain what they do on a daily basis to those who eat their produce. |
| Methodology Used: | Website |
| Sector | fruit, vegetables, herbs |
| Actors/Stakeholders involved. Who are key actors in the supply chain AND who are key enablers of the process? | North Tipperary Leader Partnership, European Solidarity Corps (ESC |
| Is the good practice supported by an IT application? If yes please describe and collect the TRL | The farm uses its website and social media very well. Cloughjordan Community Farm has set up a project that will produce a digital map of the farm, using Farm OS an open-source, web-based application, to support farm management, planning, and record keeping. A community of farmers, developers, researchers, and organisations has developed this application. They hope that ultimately “this will be a resource that can be used by members, now and in the future to understand both the day to day running of the farm, its development, impact on the land and keeping a historical record of yields and assets. |
| Optional: What supports were provided by public sector bodies/policy instruments? | |
| Media attachment (e.g. video link) or other attachment describing/depicting the Good Pratice | Video from volunteer https://youtu.be/07mfD5C1e8o |
| Key words |
farmers, consumers, local, organic, consumer education, membership scheme, digital platform, CSA, volunteer, eco-village
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This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020
research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101000788 |
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