Sperrin and Erne Food Partnership officially named

Over the last nine months, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has been working with a collective of local food producers and relevant organisations across the District to promote the importance of sustainably produced, quality affordable foods. The group recently met to agree a name for this network and the Council looks forward to working with the ‘Sperrin and Erne Food Partnership’ over the coming months and in the years ahead.

Over 100 suggested names were submitted as part of the public call and the name was chosen from a shortlist of four.  The winning name was selected to reflect the District and the principle of working together to enhance the local food landscape.

During the constructive meeting, which was attended by a wide range of partners from community gardens, statutory organisations, the community and voluntary sector, agricultural sector, food producers and those with an interest in food from the Fermanagh and Omagh area, the members also agreed the actions to be progressed to guide the work of the Partnership. These actions are focussed on broad themes including local food, access to healthy options, the local economy and protecting the planet.

As part of the Council’s support to Sperrin and Erne Food Partnership, Officers secured funding from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to support the delivery of farmers markets in the District over the next year.  These markets will provide a platform for producers to promote and sell their products and provide residents and visitors with access to local, sustainably sourced food.

The Sperrin and Erne Food Partnership supports the Council’s commitment to achieve a Net Zero District by 2042 and to ensure that our economy is thriving, expanding and outward looking by encouraging residents to shop local to support local businesses and reduce their carbon footprint.

To date, over 50 partners have been involved in the work of the Partnership including Curly Pigs, Mullygarry Farm, Gortin Wellbeing Collective, Rouskey Community Development Association, Drumhilla Garden, Arc Healthy Living, Fermanagh Rural Community Initiative, the Ulster Farmers Union and DAERA to name a few.  New members are always welcome to join the Partnership.

For more information on the Sperrin and Erne Food Partnership, visit the Council’s website (www.fermanaghomagh.com), email climate@fermanaghomagh.com or telephone 0300 303 1777.