A Spring Growers Gathering in the Kitchen Garden
Written by Hannah Opaluch, Common Ground Project Food Hub Officer.
This Sunday just passed, we gathered in the Common Ground Project kitchen garden for the Spring iteration of our region's Growers Gathering. Set up by Greta of Kinsfolk Farm, these gatherings aim to serve as a connection point between farmers amidst the busy- ness of running their farming operations. Following the seasonal flow that those who tend to the land are inextricably connected to, the gatherings give our primary producers the opportunity to ask questions, gain insight into what other growers are getting up to, and to feel into the web of connection and support that exists around them.
With a long table setup down the middle of the beds, a potluck sprawl of dishes made by all of the farmer-turned-chefs attending the evening (what can’t they do!), and an eagerness to connect, we knew it was going to be a beautiful evening. The day began with a farm tour with Fraser, our farm manager. He showed everyone around the plot and explained the flow we have found works best here on the farm, and answered questions related to our practice. An exuberant long lunch ensued, seeing us feast on slow cooked venison, farm potato salad drenched in dill, a number of zingy leafy green salads, sourdough flatbreads, foraged weed bread loaves, and wild game dumplings. To share in the reverence of food together is a privilege that is not lost on us!
We finished the afternoon gathered in a circle around the fire, sharing works we have been tending to, bouts of inspiration, and some dynamic questions and back and forths. Myself and Madeline had the chance to share the work we have been doing creating a Youth Food Charter for the State of Victoria alongside Guy from Permaqueer and Vichealth. This charter is a deep dive exploration into Victoria's current food system, analyzing its current strengths and weaknesses. Taking an unbiased approach to food systems and putting our bias and dogma aside, we are asking both primary producers and consumers what they need in order to sustain a healthy and dynamic relationship with our food system. What is currently working for you in this space? What areas are you struggling with?
We feel beyond grateful to have been able to share this work we have been tending to, and open up the space for our local growers to engage with these questions, and give us tangible insight to work with and craft our charter around. I have linked the survey we created below. We are seeking input from anybody involved in food. So whether you're a grower with your hands in the soil day in day out, or a consumer who engages with the food space through your eating habits daily, we’d be so grateful to hear your voices in this survey. Please see the link below to have your voice part of Food Systems change.
