An update from Camel Community Supported Agriculture
We've now completed the pumpkin and squash harvest and are looking forward to enjoying these delicious veggies in Camel CSA's weekly veg boxes over the autumn and early winter, writes Charlotte Barry.
Our annual Apple Day in early October gives all our growers and volunteers the opportunity to get together and reflect on the most challenging vegetable growing season since Camel CSA started up 16 years ago.
Severe winter storms at the start of 2024 led on to an unusually cold and wet spring which delayed seed
sowing, including staple crops like potatoes. It means fewer veg than usual have been available to harvest all over the UK and this has a knock-on effect as we head into winter.
The UK grows just over half the vegetables we consume and only 17% of the fruit we eat. We rely on imports for the rest, with much coming from countries at risk from climate change and water shortages. At present barely two per cent of UK farmland is used for horticulture. Did you know that golf courses now cover 10 times more surface area than orchards?!
It goes to show how important it is to grow more fruit and veg in this country - especially for consumers to buy locally from independent shops, market stalls and veg box schemes.
At Camel CSA we’re proud to be doing our bit. As a not-for-profit community interest company we provide part-time paid work for several people but we do rely on volunteers too.
We're always on the lookout for people who’d like to get involved in running our business or help with the veg growing.
If you're interested please contact us via email at info@camel-csa.org.uk. Find out more on our website at camel-csa.org.uk
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