The enterprise model

Our business plan shows that within five years the Market Garden will become a self financing community-owned business. It will have a turnover of around £170,000, and produce a modest profit.

The site will produce a wide range of organic vegetables, with a focus on higher value crops such as salads, and some fruit. Some of this produce will be processed into soups, sauces or other products. The polytunnels will allow us to extend the growing season and also to produce Asian and Caribbean vegetables that meet the needs of Cardiff's diverse ethnic communities.

Linked to the growing, we will also offer training and care placements, with educational visits for schools and colleges, and fun days out for community supporters.

The social enterprise will employ one full time and two part time growers plus educational/training staff, and will collaborate with other local food producers on marketing and delivery.

Most of the produce will be sold at farmers' markets or as 'veg boxes' direct to local consumers, whilst some higher value salads will also be sold to local restaurants.

See our supporting documents:

Feasibility study (pdf file, 2.5 Mb)

Our aims:

We will:

* produce enough vegetables to feed about 200 families year-round (with additional bought-in local produce if required), plus sell prime fresh salads and herbs to local restaurants
* grow a diverse range of produce including heritage varieties and vegetables that meet the needs of Cardiff's diverse ethnic communities
* create at least five new jobs
* generate and re-circulate over £150,000 each year into the local economy
aim to involve at least 100 families as shareholders and customers, and host regular events at the market garden site
* run annual horticultural training programmes at the market garden linked to college qualifications, and invite local schools to visit
* develop collaborative networks with other local producers
* offer our experience and skills in local food growing and marketing to other communities across Wales
* convert and manage under organic systems at least 10 acres of former pasture at the market garden site, restore and maintain 300 metres of native hedgerow, establish open water areas with willow coppice, and create 'bug banks' to nurture biodiversity
* aim to generate our own energy and water supply
* generate soil fertility through the use of 'green manure' fallow crops, so avoiding the need for imported materials
* use re-usable packaging and compost waste materials on site