Farmdrop scheme is first launched in UK

Worthing is the first town in the UK to work with Farmdrop, a click and collect platform that encourages communities to work together and aims to cut out the middle man by putting customers directly in touch with local farmers.

The initiative was launched at St Paul’s Centre in Chapel Road last weekend. The event was attended by more than 250 people.

Some had already signed up to become members while others were finding out about Farmdrop for the first time.

Co-organiser Anne Weinhold said: “This works like any supermarket click and collect but all the produce that people can buy from us is locally grown and produced.

“The difference is that unlike a supermarket, everything we are selling is locally produced.

“Examples of what we are selling is cakes and chutneys from Vice Puddings, chutneys and preserves from Funky Chutney, vegetables from Roots to Growth and meats, cheese and organic milk from Goodwood Home Farm.

“People order and pay online then give the producers a few days before picking up their order at St Paul’s.

“With the Farmdrop platform, 80 per cent of whatever is sold goes to the farmer.”

The scheme also offers the opportunity for customers to meet local producers on a weekly basis and encourages interaction between the two.

Ms Weinhold, who also set up the Catchbox Worthing Scheme, which supports local fishermen, said that she found a lack of local food available to buy.

She added: “I am also very interested in building a community around food.

“This allows the people of Worthing to come together and enjoy good food while helping the environment by saving on air miles and helping local producers.

“It is important for people to know where their food comes from and who has grown or produced it.”

For more details go to www.farmdrop.co.uk