Growing Gastronauts en France A study visit to Vallée du Loir Andy Smith Independent LAG member & Growing Gastronauts Coordinator CWV LAG April 29 th 2013

The Mission To progress our cooperation project and see how Vallée du Loir are addressing local food in schools and short supply chains for communal catering and businesses. Monitor delivery of our TCA: – Action 1: a study of schools food supply chains. – Action 2: sensitisation work in schools (to confirm and develop the partnerships between schools of all 5 LAGs.) – Action 3: Events and visits (plan Shropshire / Warwickshire in June) – Action 4: Creating a joint documentary film and recipes resource on the Internet.

The CWV Growing Gastronauts Team Andy Smith: Growing Gastronauts Project & LAG member. Chris Firth: LAG Member and Big Lottery Local Food programme Midlands Manager. Carolyn Reily: LAG Member. Sue Patterson: Headteacher, All Saints Primary School, Leek Wootton. Julia Ward: Year 5 Teacher, Binley Woods Primary School. Sophie Nicholls: TA, The Ferncumbe School, Hatton. Tessa Wallace, TA, Wolston St Margaret’s School. Gareth Davies, Project Manager Community Orchards Service Project and South Warwickshire Community Foods. Susan Watt, Project Manager, Get Growing Service Project.

Partner LAG teams Central Warwickshire Villages (9) Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership (13) Vallée du Loir (10) West Estonian Islands (6) Hiiumaa (5)

And where were you...?

Pays Vallée du Loir Sarthe (the County where VdL is), has had LEADER for 15 years. Pays de la Loire (the region) is the second biggest exporter (of fresh produce) after Brittany. Pays de la Loire is a little above average for local / short supply chains. Cooking is learned at home. Lessons cancelled in schools in favour or ICT in 1992 in Sarthe. 63 villages 7 village groups Surface area km² Utilised agricultural land ha inhabitants

Our hosts

First VdL Farmers’ Market

Outcomes & Learning Points All CVW GG schools were represented & met Estonian and Loir partners though not enough time with local partners. Dates agreed for September visit to UK LAGs. Some inspiring work re report and farmers market in Vallée du Loir + farm enterprise. Need consecutive interpreting for Estonians. Teams need proper briefing and marshalling.

Remaining issues Some perceived school mis-matches e.g. Hiiumaa-Shropshire, but partly resolved. Unresolved issue of resource pack design and financing. Quality of briefing and preparation of teams not even and not as thorough as required. Quart into pint pot for September visit and cost of accommodation may be a problem.

Next steps Improve GG website for sharing recipes and clips etc. Gather material from participating schools. Finalise report on supply chain for schools & local food initiatives. Finalise planning of September 2013 visit to Shropshire & Warwickshire. VFM accommodation ideas?? Think about transition period and any follow up or new cooperation ideas