A COMMUNITY food scheme near Leamington is celebrating a sudden growth spurt.
Canalside Community Food (CCF) launched a share offer in May to buy the ten acre site it farms on the outskirts of Radford Semele.
Investors were offered the chance to buys shares priced from £50 up to £10,000 in CCF – a type of organic vegetable box scheme where members pay a subscription for a weekly assortment of in season produce – which was among the first community agriculture schemes in the country when launched 11 years ago.
And just over three weeks after the share launch the project has raised the £105,000 needed to buy the land it currently rents.
“We’re delighted that we managed to reach our target in just over three weeks,’ said CCF finance officer Gareth Davies, who played a major part in putting the share offer together.
“We now have 160 individual investors who are members of our community business. The average investment is over £650, ranging from £50 upwards.
“It’s great that people are keen to be part of an ethical company which not only provides local, seasonal food, but also aims to provide a reasonable wage and working conditions for its employees.”
To celebrate the success of the share launch, a summer party is being held on Saturday July 7, from 6pm to midnight.
There will be a ceilidh band, local beers and cider and organic soft drinks, as well as hot vegan food by the Garden Shed Cafe.
Tickets for the family friendly event are £5 members (£7 non-members) and free for under-16s. Tickets will be available on the gate, or in advance from Gaia Co-op at 7 Regent Place, Leamington.
Visit www.canalsidecommunityfood.org.uk for further details.
