Sustainable Food
Sperrin and Erne Food Partnership
Welcome to the Sperrin and Erne Food Partnership – a collaborative initiative facilitated by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. Our project is driven by a shared commitment to fostering a sustainable and resilient local food ecosystem. Unsustainable food production, packaging, and consumption contribute significantly to the climate crisis, accounting for a third of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, 70% of the world’s freshwater usage, and driving biodiversity loss. Food is not only at the heart of some of our greatest problems from obesity and diet-related ill-health to food poverty and waste to climate change and biodiversity loss; it is also a vital part of the solution.
About Us
At the heart of our endeavour is the belief that sustainable food practices contribute not only to the well-being of our community but also to the preservation of our environment and the prosperity of our local economy. We aim to unite diverse stakeholders through our partnership, including local businesses, government agencies, community organisations, and residents, in a collective effort to shape the future of food in our district.
Key Objectives
Taking a strategic and collaborative approach to good food governance and action.
Building public awareness, active food citizenship and a local good food movement.
Tackling food poverty and diet related ill-health and increasing access to affordable healthy food.
Creating a vibrant, prosperous and diverse sustainable food economy.
Transforming catering and procurement and revitalising local and sustainable food supply chains.
Tackling the local climate and nature emergency through sustainable food and farming, and an end to food waste.
Why Join Us?
By joining the Sperrin and Erne Food Partnership, you become an integral part of a movement that seeks to positively impact the health of our community, support local businesses, and contribute to the global imperative of sustainable living. Together, we can shape a resilient and vibrant food culture that stands as a testament to our commitment to a sustainable future.
Get Involved
Whether you are a local business, community member, government agency, or organisation, your involvement is crucial.
Ready to be a part of the change? Join us in cultivating a sustainable food future for our community!
For inquiries or to get involved, please contact climate@fermanaghomagh.com
Supporting Local Food Growing
As part of the Sperrin and Erne Food Partnership, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is dedicated to supporting local food growing through a range of innovative initiatives aimed at fostering sustainability and community engagement.
A key project within this initiative is the development of ‘No Dig’ garden beds across the district. These gardens, developed in collaboration with Natural World Products, utilise compost made from the district’s recycled food and garden waste. This initiative is a prime example of the circular economy in action, where organic waste is transformed into nutrient-rich compost that supports healthy soil and vibrant plant growth. The ‘No Dig’ approach is not only environmentally friendly—reducing the need for fertilisers and enhancing carbon storage in the soil—but also promotes biodiversity by leaving organic matter undisturbed.
This project is further strengthened by a cross-community collaboration with Mid Ulster District Council. Together, the two councils organised workshops that brought students from various communities together to learn about sustainable gardening practices and the importance of pollinators. These educational events not only provided practical experience but also fostered a sense of connection to the environment and a shared commitment to its protection.
In addition to the ‘No Dig’ gardens, the Council has also facilitated a series of separate workshops focused on seed planting. These workshops, held with both schools and community groups, offer participants hands-on experience in growing their own fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. By engaging the community in these activities, the Council is helping to build a more sustainable food system, reduce carbon emissions associated with food transportation, and empower individuals to take an active role in their food production.
The Council has also been actively delivering community orchards across the district. Since 2023, 90 mixed fruit trees have been planted, establishing orchards that will provide a sustainable source of fresh, locally grown fruit for residents. These community orchards are more than just green spaces—they are vital resources that contribute to food security, reduce the carbon footprint associated with importing fruit, and offer residents access to healthy, nutritious produce right in their own neighbourhoods. By involving the community in the care and maintenance of these orchards, the initiative also fosters a deeper connection to the land and encourages sustainable living practices
Through these efforts, the Sperrin and Erne Food Partnership is leading the way in promoting local food growing, sustainability, and community well-being. By supporting projects like these, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is helping to create a healthier, more self-sufficient future for all.
If you would like to find out how you can get involved with these initiatives, please contact climate@fermanaghomagh.com
