Help fix Leaf and Root Farm after Storm Eowyn
Donation protected
Hello everyone,
We really hoped we wouldn't have to launch this fundraiser. When Storm Eowyn blew the plastic off two of our polytunnels a few weeks ago, causing structural damage to one of them, we got together with other farmers and growers to launch a campaign asking for the government to step in and help out. The campaign run by Talamh Beo got almost 2,000 signatures and drew widespread support from many (https://www.change.org/p/support-irish-farmers-and-growers-affected-by-storm-%C3%A9owyn)
Unfortunately the government’s response has shown just how out of touch our institutions are with the realities of small scale local food producers. The funding they announced this week is completely inappropriate and insufficient for our needs and we're sure the needs of many others who lost critical farm infrastructure in the storm.
All the food we grow goes into local markets, and protected growing in polytunnels is a vital part of our business, both in the summer and over the winter - this is why we urgently need to fix and replace the tunnels we have lost. We now only have one tunnel left out of three. We need them fixed if we want to keep producing lovely food for the people of County Galway!
We will use this funding to buy materials:
Polytunnel plastic, side rails and gable ends and doors for the tunnel whose frame is not damaged
COST: 2,500
A new frame, concrete foundations, plastic, side rails, crop support bars and doors to completely replace the tunnel which has structural damage
COST: 7,500
We’ll still have to put all our labour into actually fixing the tunnels, but we’re well used to that!
We were hoping we wouldn’t need to ask for help, but here we are. Any contribution is appreciated. Be sure there will always be a cup of tea and taste of delicious seasonal veg at Leaf and Root for any and all that chip in.
Thanks in advance and all the best,
Fergal and Manu
If you’re interested in finding our more about our farm, check out this video from back in 2021!
Organizer
Fergal Anderson
Organizer