Why it matters: The project aims to explore how traditional crops from different cultures could adapt to Britain's changing climate while celebrating agricultural diversity.
The details: Barleybird and Natural Habitat are offering free visits to three food-growing sites around Ipswich between June and July. There are two events remaining:
Saturday 28th June at Oak Tree Farm, Rushmere St Andrew and Monday 30th June at Fellows Farm, Gosbeck
Wednesday 9th July at Hill House Farm, Shotley
Free transport departs from central Ipswich at 09:30 and returns at 14:30. A minibus pick-up and drop-off point has been confirmed at Crown House, IP1 3HS.
What's included: Transport from the city centre, opportunities to learn about agriculture and horticulture in the UK, time to share food and farming stories, meeting people from different cultures, and enjoying countryside locations. Refreshments are provided, but participants should bring their own lunch.
The research: The visits form part of a research project exploring fruits, vegetables, and grains with cultural significance that may become increasingly possible to grow in the UK's warming climate.
Gaina, the main organiser, said: "There's no such thing as cheap food cuz somewhere and somebody pays for it."
She added: "Everything's connected. Our health, our mental health, physical health, it's all connected to the soil, healthy crops."
The bottom line: The project creates a platform for cultural exchange around food and farming, while contributing to research on climate-adapted agriculture in Suffolk.
