Snap up a stake... or it could be thin end of the veg

Threatened by supermarket competition and a downturn in sales, the future of an organic vegetable nursery in the Yorkshire Dales was not looking bright.

But in a pioneering move, those behind the former workers’ co-operative now hope local communities will step into the fight to save the nursery through what is thought to be a unique project in Yorkshire.

Until about three years ago the Growing With Grace workers’ co-operative was quietly growing organic produce from its base at Clapham Nurseries and selling it to customers in a 20-mile radius.

However the group has found itself struggling against the competition from commercial rivals, as well as the changing public perceptions of organic vegetables, to the point where its survival is now in doubt.

But residents in Clapham, Settle and Bentham could hold the key to its future by taking a personal stake in the scheme which has become a local food community co-operative.

If it works as planned, organisers believe it will be the only community scheme of its type in Yorkshire.

Rather than working the land, supporters will buy shares, which should help maintain access to locally-grown produce rather than that from further afield.

If the sums work out, they should also start to see a financial return on their investment within a couple of years.

Neil Marshall, one of the scheme’s founders, said: “We were aware we needed to change things but we were being squeezed by increasing costs, changes in perception of organics being expensive and a reduced market.

“We had been championing permaculture, Quaker ethics and organic principles for 10 years but had not made full use of the strength and breadth of support from the Clapham community just across the road and in the market town of Settle five miles away.”

The co-operative’s finances may take on a more capitalist complexion in future, though.

Planned changes over the next two years including on-site infrastructure improvements will cost about £150,000.

It is hoped that £50,000 will come from grants and loans with the other £100,000 from a share issue which will be launched on April 9.

People will be invited to buy a minimum of 100 shares at £1 each but can spread the payments over 10 months.

Mr Marshall said: “It is our perception that there is a growing need for places like this, growing local food, to be around. Our test of this perception will be the willingness of people to take it up.

“Our perception is that the community see the need as there and if they do they would hopefully like to be involved in part ownership of a food producing business.”

Growing With Grace communications director, Ann Algie, sees the venture as playing a vital role in the future as people may turn to locally produced food as oil supplies dwindle.

Mrs Algie said: “It’s absolutely essential for the future. I believe we are very oil dependent for so much of our society now. Because there’s going to be less and less oil available to us that’s going to have a huge affect on our society because we are used to growth.

“Once the squeeze is on for the fuel the price goes up and then you get to the point where no-one can get it because there’s not enough to go round. Food is one thing we do need. Growing food locally is going to be so important.

“At the moment as long as people can go to a supermarket and get what they want people do not think there is a problem but it does not take much to affect that system. And now because the supermarkets have such a monopoly and so many shops have closed you cannot just get a small shop back. If the supermarket system fails, where do people go?”

It is hoped the community co-operative will become a centre of growing in the future, supporting people growing their own food and produce.

Those behind the project say it is about encouraging people on a positive journey towards local food.

As well being used as a base for recycling used vegetable oil into biodiesel, Growing With Grace recycles 500 tonnes of household garden waste per year for the local council.

Personnel director Eddie Legget said: “The waste is turned into compost on site within six weeks and we then put it to good use growing our organic veg as well as selling some.”