Article in Tasman Gazette October 2009

In these uncertain times of climate change, peak oil and dependence on large corporate supermarket chains having the monopoly on food distribution, local communities concerned about their ‘food security' are looking at alternative methods to safeguard a basic human need.  ‘Food security' is a term that refers to the availability of food and one's access to it. Growing numbers on the Tasman Peninsula are getting together to see what solutions are available to overcome the growing risks. Two groups have started taking action.

In August, Tasman Sustainable Living invited Robert Pekin, the coordinator of the successful ‘Food Connect' operation in Brisbane, to speak about Community Shared Agriculture (CSA). A group of interested folk met at Parsons Bay Retreat to learn about the ethically based CSA projects which create a direct link between the farmer and the consumer. Robert shared his experience with the successful ‘box systems' and how they compare to food cooperatives, farmers markets and traditional markets. The group expressed their interest in investigating what options we have on the Peninsula

In their September meeting, Tasman Living Soil held a discussion regarding food co-operatives and CSAs and it was recognised there is great potential in establishing such a venture. There are a number of local farmers who don't have a local market for their produce and who would benefit from selling locally. Plus local people want fresh local produce. It is just a matter of creating direct links, reducing the food miles with producers getting a better price for their product and the consumer paying the right price for fresh food.

 Produce to be incorporated in a CSA / food co-op includes vegetables, fruit, herbs, preserves, eggs, meat, fish, milk, cheese, honey, bread etc.  Both groups agreed the first step required is a local producers audit as well as a consumers audit ie who is growing what and who is buying where.

Producers and consumers who are interested in providing feedback, as well as volunteers to assist in coordinating the project, are invited to email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone Ilan and Lynne on 6250 2000.

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 Tasman Village

hosts 

'TASMAN SUSTAINABLE LIVING' GATHERINGS

 NEXT MEETING   

Sunday August 23rd 2009 (Note: Date has been changed)

 Community Supported Agriculture - Local Food for Local People (see below)

'Tasman Sustainable Living', a new group on the Tasman Peninsula held its inaugural meeting on the 5th October 2008. Members of the local community were invited to discuss the issue of sustainability, what it meant to them personally and as a community. Margaret Steadman, the Executive Officer of Sustainable Living Tasmania and Mukula Mckenzie, Community and Events Officer from the Tasman Council facilitated the discussion.

The meeting attracted over 20 participants who had the opportunity to voice what was important to them as well as listen to new initiatives. Topics discussed included car pooling, tips on how to reduce energy bills, community gardens, fresh produce markets, utilising the internet for effective communication and being effective through groups and not relying on government.

The group met again on 25th October, with some new faces, to progress the ideas discussed. Margaret Steadman facilitated a short workshop asking for people's vision of the Peninsula in the next 20 years and what can be done now to work towards those visions.Of most concern were:

• local food for local people,
• care of the natural environment,
• transport,
• energy efficient buildings,
• water supply 
• methods of exchanging information.

The group has continued to meet to discuss how effective action can be taken to address these concerns. The meetings are informal, informational and fun. They are usually followed by a meal and the conversations continue!

NEXT MEETING

Saturday August 22nd 2009  

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) - Local Food for Local People

'Tasman Sustainable Living' has invited Robert Pekin, the founder of Australia's largest and most successful CSA ‘Food Connect' www.foodconnect.com.au to speak about different CSA models and give guidance to a venture happening in Nubeena. Robert, an acknowledged CSA expert, Farm Advisor, Community Enterprise Development Facilitator and Educator is based in Brisbane. He has developed and operated CSAs in Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland. He has also owned a 300 cow Organic Dairy for 7 yrs and managed a 3,500 acre property in Nth Eastern NSW along sustainable principles.

Community Supported Agriculture is a concept which encourages local, environmentally sustainable food production, and supports both farmers and consumers alike. It is a proactive way of saying NO to genetic engineering, environmental degradation and the corporate control of food. CSAs take many forms. The essence is that supporters subscribe to the harvest and volunteers assist with the labour and management skills required to run the project. (It isn't mandatory to work in the field as volunteers can assist with administration, public relations, IT, etc). Most CSAs offer a diversity of vegetables, fruits, and herbs in season and some provide a full array of farm produce, including eggs, meat, milk, baked and dry goods. By joining a CSA you are actively contributing to the health and wellbeing of your immediate family, your community and your environment.

 Ilan Arnon, developer of the Tasman Village at Nubeena, is keen to support the introduction of a local CSA and has allocated 4350sqm of the property for one to be established. The project is to be run by a separate entity, a not for profit association - the Tasman Village CSA. Lynne Seddon, coordinator of the Tasman Village, who attended the recent Transition Towns workshop, was involved in the start up and development of a successful CSA in Western Australia and is looking forward to being involved in the creation of another.

ALL WELCOME

Saturday 22nd August 2009     3.00pm - 5.00pm

Parsons Bay Retreat - 1583 Nubeena Rd, Nubeena TAS 7184

Phone: 03 6250 2000   Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

There is a small charge to cover costs, $15 per person, $7 concession. Seating is limited so bookings are essential.

Note: Discounted accommodation available to attendees who choose to stay at Parsons Bay Retreat overnight. ($35.00 per person twin share, $25.00 per person bunk share.)

Direct enquiries regarding the formation of the Tasman Village CSA are welcomed and can be made to Ilan or Lynne on 6250 2000 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it