About GRFN

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Project outline

About the project

Running from winter 2002 to summer 2004, the “Growing the Local Asian Foods Market” project brought together Asian allotment holders and growers, many of whom were farmers in their country of origin, to sharis their expertise with local farmers, to grow Asian speciality crops like coriander which are used widely in Asian cuisine like coriander, fenugreek and spinach on farms in the urban fringe in the South Pennines.

Haneef Asad and Robert Barraclough examine a coriander crop.

We explored possible local supply chains to supply the growing market for Asian foods in the nearby conurbation. We held meetings and discussions with Asian retailers, wholesalers and other outlets for Asian speciality crops to explore potential routes to market. We also presented the project at relevant events. The project was supported by the Farmers Fund and the EU Interreg IIIB SOSII (Sustainable Open Space) programme.

Local field trials tested different crops and growing method, with a site visit to Stockbridge Technology Centre to learn from their expertise in growing, crop protection and developing local supply networks. Market research covered a range of possible routes to market, with site visits to wholesale markets and interviews with retailers and caterers.

The project team met with regional and national NFU officers, organizations like Asian Trades Link and presented the project, and the produce, at relevant events in the region such as the South Asian Food and Drink Exhibition.

Mumtaz Begum picks fresh spinach at the trial site.

The trial site continues to supply locally grown spinach, coriander and callaloo to a major Bradford based wholesaler. The long-term viability of this and other supply chain routes, and the possible expansion to include other farmers and outlets, raises many complex issues which require further work.

We have worked to link up with other farmers and Asian community growing groups, with some being very interested in growing the crops. Many ideas for other Asian speciality crops and products have emerged, in addition to potential community projects and enterprises focused on locally grown Asian crops.

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