This project documented the creation of a food hub locally, in Carrickmacross (Ireland). Through this project the two partners - Ecosystem Restoration Communities (ERC) and Siolta Chroi - developed a learning resource (the ‘Food Hub Manual’) to answer the needs of local food growers and community organizers. This innovative educational material will be used by European small-scale farmers, rural communities, local authorities and all stakeholders wanting to protect the ecosystem while creating dynamic regenerative economies.
The project addressed the following needs: 1. Build European partnerships. Through this project, the 2 partner organizations began to build a strong understanding of the Erasmus+ programme and strengthened their relationship as partners. 2. Developed staff competences and motivation. This project was a great opportunity for the staff of ERC and Siolta Chroi to learn from each other. 3. Exchange of good practices related to working with rural communities with regards to environmental issues. 4. Strengthening their work at a local, national and European level. Siolta Chroi, a reality deeply rooted in its local context, benefited from ERC’ international reach, exposure and experience. At the same time, ERC was able to benefit from Siolta Chroi’s knowledge of the local context and to translate it in a resource that can be useful at a European but also global level. 5. Develop educational tools for the partner organizations’ and their audiences. The needs assessments highlighted the need for new regenerative business models as well as gaps in knowledge/skill. While filling all these gaps was beyond the scope of this project, this project created a useful resource for the target group and beyond.