27.09.05
Organic South West's Organic Week Roundup 2005

National Organic Week, organised by Bristol-based charity, the Soil Association, took place between 3-11 September 2005. Organic South West, who promote organic food and farming in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, co-ordinated and supported a number of events throughout the region. The following is a brief summary of these:

Bristol Organic Food Festival, 3 & 4 September - a record breaking 150,000 visitors attended this event. The Cornish food pavilion was a great success, with both Carleys of Cornwall and Penheale Organics running out of product by the end of Saturday resulting in additional supplies being brought up for Sunday. Also exhibiting were Roskillys, Origin Coffee and Barwick and Helsett Farms. Cornish organic produce recipe cards were given away to hundreds of people.

Royal Cornwall Hospital organic breakfast, 5 September - Staff and visitors enjoyed a traditional breakfast consisting entirely of organic ingredients including sausages, bacon, eggs and tomatoes. During the week lunches of organic baked potatoes were on offer at the Knowledge Spa café. These were organised by the NHS Food Programme team, which is working to get healthy, local food into Cornwall's hospitals, and is supported by Organic South West. Both projects have received investment from Objective One to help boost the use of best quality regional produce.

Organic cricket match, 6 September - St Neot Taverners CC, who play on a certified organic field near Liskeard and count two organic farmers in their team took on Cornwall's over '50s. Martin Davies, technical adviser, Organic South West, is the Club's social secretary and following the home team's victory they celebrated their success with a sumptuous organic tea.

Cornish organic 'Slow Food' lunch, Thursday 8 September - Helen Browning, the Soil Association's director of Food and Farming was the guest speaker at the lunch held at South Penquite Farm, Blisland near Bodmin. She gave a graphic presentation of the trials and tribulations of launching a marketing brand from her own extensive experience as a farmer and owner of Eastbrook Farm organic meats. The Slow Food lunch, provided by Angie Dodd of Seriously Good, was a huge success, utilising the best of Cornish organic and local produce; 65 people attended including 15 producers who are currently considering conversion to organic systems.

Organic Barbeque and cocktail party, at the British Kite Surfing Association Wave Event, Watergate Bay, 9-11 September - combining the best of everything Cornish throughout this three day event that became a celebration of organic food and drink with organic menu items at Watergate Bay Hotel, the Beach Hut and Extreme Academy. An organic beach barbecue ran throughout the day and Saturday night's organic cocktail party entertained over 150 people with a delicious buffet at the Extreme Academy; Roskillys and Origin also provided organic ice cream and coffee throughout the event for competitors and spectators.

Bangors House Organic Farmers Market, Sunday 11 September - a busy event to round off the week held in the delightful gardens of Cornwall's only bed and organic breakfast house, at Poundsgate near Bude. Local organic producers sold milk and ice cream, fresh vegetables and fruit, herbs, apple juice, bread and beauty products whilst the restaurant provided Sunday lunches and cream teas for a steady stream of visitors throughout the day.

For further information please contact Emma Parkin of PR and Media on 01392 490009 or email: em.parkin@blueyonder.co.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in Organic South West through the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF).

Anyone considering a new horticulture, food and land based industries project is advised to speak with Maria Ford, at Government Office South West - 01752 635015 - before commencing development as there are now only limited funds available due to the successful uptake of funding by the agricultural sector in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Editor's notes:

Finance Cornwall has invested in a wide range of businesses across Cornwall. If you would like a case study for a business in your area then please contact Jason Clark on 01872 276276, mobile 07980 834368, email jason@dclark.co.uk.

Finance Cornwall is a £20 million investment fund backed by £9 million from the Objective One European Regional Development Fund.
Finance Cornwall's funds are administered by Finance Cornwall Fund Managers Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

For more information visit www.financecornwall.co.uk

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk