Food Vale has launched a new project to support the development of a stronger, more connected horticultural sector in the Vale of Glamorgan. 

The project will work with local growers, supply chain business, retailers and hospitality businesses to explore practical opportunities for collaborative routes to market, collective promotion and shared infrastructure, helping local horticultural businesses to strengthen their resilience, efficiency and commercial viability. 

The project is being delivered in close collaboration with Cywain and the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Economic Regeneration team. We’re pleased to be working with Tony Little of Sustainable Farming Consultancy, who brings extensive experience of horticulture, local food systems and short supply chains, as well as experience supporting producer groups and shared machinery initiatives. 

Over the coming months, Tony will work closely with growers involved in the ongoing Farming Connect Agrisgôp programme, alongside the wider horticultural community in the Vale. The work will explore opportunities to: 

• develop new or stronger routes to market for locally grown produce; 

• understand the needs of potential buyers and how local growers could work together to meet them; 

• explore opportunities for coordinated production, collective selling and promotion; 

• identify opportunities for shared machinery, equipment, storage and other infrastructure; 

• consider practical models for managing and sharing equipment and other resources; and 

• develop recommendations for future investment and longer-term collaboration. 

The project builds on the growing network of horticultural businesses in the Vale and Food Vale’s wider work to strengthen the local food system – connecting local production with communities, businesses and organisations across the Vale. 

Could you help shape the work? 

We’re particularly keen to hear from potential buyers who may be interested in sourcing locally grown horticultural produce, including businesses, hospitality providers, retailers, wholesalers and other organisations. 

We’d also like to hear from farmers and growers across the Vale who may be interested in exploring opportunities to share machinery or other equipment, whether you are already involved in Food Vale activity or not. 

Your input will help Tony understand what opportunities and barriers exist and where there could be potential for practical collaboration.

If you are a potential buyer, or a farmer/grower interested in shared machinery or equipment, please get in touch with Tony Little at tony@sustainablefarming.co.uk. 

We’d particularly welcome early conversations, even if you are simply interested in finding out more or sharing your experience.