Latest news with #organicproduce
BBC News
21-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Meet the schoolkids growing and selling their fruit and veg
Do you grow fruit or vegetables outdoors at your school?Well, the children at one primary school in the south of England are so good at it, they've been feeding the local community schoolchildren have been selling their produce to restaurants and shops in their project raises thousands of pounds every year, which helps buy new gardening tools and compost for the school. 'For me gardening is really peaceful' Pupils at the school in Hampshire have been growing plants in their allotment garden for the past 16 years - and all year groups get horticulturalist Louise Moreton explained: "Year two are growing onions, year five are growing garlic, but we also like to grow more unusual plants like lovage, caraway and bronze fennel."The school also has a polytunnel, a kitchen garden full of herbs, and an orchard that was planted eight years ago which grows apples as well as more uncommon fruit such as medlars and garden has produced so much fruit and veg, that the school has been selling their harvest to the local 8, said: "I think it's very cool because we grow here and other people eat it at restaurants."The schoolchildren also take home recipe cards and some have even been inspired to start gardening at 10, added: "We have wild strawberries growing by our fence. We grow blueberries and grapes too. For me gardening is really peaceful. It just calms me down."Whenever I'm a bit stressed at home I normally just go into my garden and just water my plants because it just makes me feel very zen."
CTV News
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
The L.A. farmer's market where celebrities are as plentiful as the produce
Even if you have never been to Los Angeles, you may still harbour a subconscious awareness of Studio City Farmers Market. There, amongst the 85 organic produce vendors, did paparazzi first snap Jeremy Allen White back in 2023 straining against the weight of freshly-cut flowers the size of his torso — a sight that has since become a viral sensation. So memorable is that sighting of White that it was even raised during a recent appearance on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.' 'You're always carrying giant bouquets of flowers everywhere you are, I love it. It's your thing,' said Fallon. 'I have this farmer's market near my house,' White said. 'It's on Sundays and I just love going there, I love having flowers in my house.' Apparently, so does every other celebrity within a 20 mile radius of the southeast San Fernando Valley, where Studio City Farmers Market — an LA institution that has been running since 1998, and White's farmers' market of choice — is located. So common are famous faces (Anne Hathaway, Jacob Elordi, Paris Hilton, Elle Fanning, Anwar Hadid and Barbara Palvin, to name a few) that Yelp reviews of the market often include an elated description of an A-lister sighting. On Getty alone, over 700 images are geotagged inside the space; while image platform Alamy features more than 4,000 photos shot there. Appetite for the market is growing, according to executive director of Studio City Chamber of Commerce, Esther Walker. Each week, she fields between five and ten vendor applications from growers and small businesses keen to sell at the storied location. First-time traders need not apply, Walker told CNN earlier this year, in light of the footfall of a few thousand that descend each week — which, for less experienced vendors, can be 'overwhelming.' 'Business is always nice for our vendors, but it is an extremely popular farmer's market,' she said. 'We're very crowded.' Despite White's recent endorsement of the market on prime-time TV, star power has always been part of Studio City's story. Walker began working for the Chamber of Commerce in 2007, just one year before the market's organizers made the decision to hire professional security. 'The reason was because we had so many issues with paparazzi,' she said. 'We had some really aggressive paparazzi that were following around actor parents with their kids and made them feel uncomfortable. We just felt like we needed to do something.' Currently, the market employs three security staff members, as well as three undercover security guards — all retired police officers. Paparazzi attitudes have evolved, however. 'I would say that the issues we had about 15 years ago don't really exist now,' said Walker. 'They tend to be a little more respectable, and they stay further away.' For Mike Arnoldi, an LA-based celebrity photographer, Studio City Farmers Market has been a certified hunting patch since it opened almost three decades ago. 'There's always been a steady flow of celebrities,' he said in a phone call. 'It just changes who's going to be there.' Back in the day, it was 'In Cold Blood' (1967) actor Robert Blake or James Franco, recalled Arnoldi. Now, it's White, Hilary Duff and 'Pretty Little Liars' actor Lucy Hale who he sees the most. Walker, who once swiftly recognized the market's A-lister clientele, such as Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, admitted that she was less familiar with the newer generation of stars who visit today. 'We get a lot of celebrities that my younger staff say, 'Oh my god, that's so-and-so from some show,'' she said. 'But I have no idea who they are.' Arnoldi — who counts himself one of the best celebrity spotters in the business — will start his day at the farmer's market around 9am and work straight through to 1pm, photographing on average around 20 different people. 'I shoot about 1,500 photos there, and then we narrow it down to about 40 that get sent out (to agencies like Getty and Backgrid).' His photos of White have been among the most lucrative, selling for around US$400 each. Other celebrity shots can vary anywhere from a nickel to $20 — a far cry from the couple thousand dollars a photographer might receive for a single film image, before the advent of digital cameras. Any images that feature children, Arnoldi says, are not distributed. While it's not illegal, he considers profiting off the photos of children 'unethical' and urges his staff to do the same. Not every celebrity wants their grocery run broadcast to the world, however. Lindsay Dix, who runs the bone broth stand ReBroth at Studio City with her business partner Mia Roe, says she has met most of her famous clients at the market — though several now order privately and have the soup delivered to their home. Not only is it more convenient, but it also prevents them from being 'out and chased around by the paparazzi,' she said. Dix added there's another reason for privacy, too: 'I used to do celebrity catering for 20 years, and a lot of people that claim to be vegan or vegetarian actually did eat meat.' Still, Arnoldi (who has made friends with many of the subjects of his images) has a handful of A-listers who feel differently. Some, he said, even call to give him a heads-up that they will be there on a particular day, bushels of lettuce in hand, hoping to be photographed. Written by Leah Dolan, CNN
CNN
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
The LA farmer's market where celebrities are as plentiful as the produce
Even if you have never been to Los Angeles, you may still harbor a subconscious awareness of Studio City Farmers Market. There, amongst the 85 organic produce vendors, did paparazzi first snap Jeremy Allen White back in 2023 straining against the weight of freshly-cut flowers the size of his torso — a sight that has since become a viral sensation. So memorable is that sighting of White that it was even raised during a recent appearance on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.' 'You're always carrying giant bouquets of flowers everywhere you are, I love it. It's your thing,' said Fallon. 'I have this farmer's market near my house,' White said. 'It's on Sundays and I just love going there, I love having flowers in my house.' Apparently, so does every other celebrity within a 20 mile radius of the southeast San Fernando Valley, where Studio City Farmers Market — an LA institution that has been running since 1998, and White's farmers' market of choice — is located. So common are famous faces (Anne Hathaway, Jacob Elordi, Paris Hilton, Elle Fanning, Anwar Hadid and Barbara Palvin, to name a few) that Yelp reviews of the market often include an elated description of an A-lister sighting. On Getty alone, over 700 images are geotagged inside the space; while image platform Alamy features more than 4,000 photos shot there. Appetite for the market is growing, according to executive director of Studio City Chamber of Commerce, Esther Walker. Each week, she fields between five and ten vendor applications from growers and small businesses keen to sell at the storied location. First-time traders need not apply, Walker told CNN earlier this year, in light of the footfall of a few thousand that descend each week — which, for less experienced vendors, can be 'overwhelming.' 'Business is always nice for our vendors, but it is an extremely popular farmer's market,' she said. 'We're very crowded.' Despite White's recent endorsement of the market on prime-time TV, star power has always been part of Studio City's story. Walker began working for the Chamber of Commerce in 2007, just one year before the market's organizers made the decision to hire professional security. 'The reason was because we had so many issues with paparazzi,' she said. 'We had some really aggressive paparazzi that were following around actor parents with their kids and made them feel uncomfortable. We just felt like we needed to do something.' Currently, the market employs three security staff members, as well as three undercover security guards — all retired police officers. Paparazzi attitudes have evolved, however. 'I would say that the issues we had about 15 years ago don't really exist now,' said Walker. 'They tend to be a little more respectable, and they stay further away.' For Mike Arnoldi, an LA-based celebrity photographer, Studio City Farmers Market has been a certified hunting patch since it opened almost three decades ago. 'There's always been a steady flow of celebrities,' he said in a phone call. 'It just changes who's going to be there.' Back in the day, it was 'In Cold Blood' (1967) actor Robert Blake or James Franco, recalled Arnoldi. Now, it's White, Hilary Duff and 'Pretty Little Liars' actor Lucy Hale who he sees the most. Walker, who once swiftly recognized the market's A-lister clientele, such as Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, admitted that she was less familiar with the newer generation of stars who visit today. 'We get a lot of celebrities that my younger staff say, 'Oh my god, that's so-and-so from some show,'' she said. 'But I have no idea who they are.' Arnoldi — who counts himself one of the best celebrity spotters in the business — will start his day at the farmer's market around 9am and work straight through to 1pm, photographing on average around 20 different people. 'I shoot about 1,500 photos there, and then we narrow it down to about 40 that get sent out (to agencies like Getty and Backgrid).' His photos of White have been among the most lucrative, selling for around $400 each. Other celebrity shots can vary anywhere from a nickel to $20 — a far cry from the couple thousand dollars a photographer might receive for a single film image, before the advent of digital cameras. Any images that feature children, Arnoldi says, are not distributed. While it's not illegal, he considers profiting off the photos of children 'unethical' and urges his staff to do the same. Related vertical video With $10 million, you can buy a private island… or this handbag Not every celebrity wants their grocery run broadcast to the world, however. Lindsay Dix, who runs the bone broth stand ReBroth at Studio City with her business partner Mia Roe, says she has met most of her famous clients at the market — though several now order privately and have the soup delivered to their home. Not only is it more convenient, but it also prevents them from being 'out and chased around by the paparazzi,' she said. Dix added there's another reason for privacy, too: 'I used to do celebrity catering for 20 years, and a lot of people that claim to be vegan or vegetarian actually did eat meat.' Still, Arnoldi (who has made friends with many of the subjects of his images) has a handful of A-listers who feel differently. Some, he said, even call to give him a heads-up that they will be there on a particular day, bushels of lettuce in hand, hoping to be photographed.
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
South Africa: How soil health unlocks greater yields for small-scale farmers?
In South Africa, over two million smallholder farming households form the backbone of the nation's food system. These small-scale farmers, cultivating plots often less than two hectares, are pivotal not only in rural areas but increasingly within urban and peri-urban settings. This shift is fuelled by the growing demand for organic, locally sourced produce and a desire for self-sufficiency. Across cities and suburbs, more people are embracing farming to support their families and communities, often starting in their backyards. Farmers' markets are on the rise in response to a growing demand from consumers who want to know where their food comes from. At the core of every successful farm is healthy soil. Soil is a living, dynamic ecosystem that supports plant growth, stores water, and cycles nutrients. Healthy soil improves crop yields, enhances resilience against pests and diseases, and sustains long-term productivity. When soil health declines, yields drop, costs rise, and land becomes less viable. Many smallholder farmers, however, face challenges in maintaining soil health – challenges that often mirror those faced by commercial farmers. Chief among these is soil degradation from over-fertilisation or repeated planting of the same crop, also referred to as monocropping, which can skew soil health and promote diseases that reduce yields. This issue can be compounded by limited access to resources and agronomic knowledge. Over-fertilising, for instance, is a common mistake rooted in the belief that more is better. In reality, soil can become imbalanced or depleted. Simple, strategic solutions Fortunately for small-scale farmers who may just be starting, effective soil care doesn't require expensive equipment or commercial-scale investment. We recommend starting with simple, sensory-based methods like looking at and touching your soil to determine its composition. Sandy soil, for example, may suffer from nutrient runoff, while clay-heavy soils can become compacted, making root growth difficult. A good rule of thumb in this instance is if you can't dig a spade into your soil easily, neither can your crops' roots. Farmers can also use cost-effective tools like soil ph kits to ensure that nutrients are available at optimal levels. Nutrients are only accessible to plants within certain ph ranges, so balancing this is key. When starting, your nutrient needs will depend on what you're growing. Applying the right nutrients at the right time will be one of the most important things a smallholder farmer can do. Organic matter is another critical input. Many small-scale farmers raise animals, and their manure can be used to naturally enrich the soil. This protects soil life and structure while replenishing nutrients taken up by crops. Fertilisation isn't about dependence but sustainability because if your crops keep taking nutrients from your soil without replenishment, your soil will die. Proof of life Strategic fertilisation can help sustain soil life by making nutrients available for longer periods, especially when it includes both macro- and micronutrients and is paired with biostimulants. Earthworms are a good indication of a healthy soil as their presence indicates a vibrant, balanced environment. Long-term, these practices not only protect soil integrity but also improve yields and resilience against climate shocks. Some of South Africa's most remarkable farming stories come from dry, rocky landscapes like the bush vine wine farms in arid regions, where low water availability results in smaller, more flavour-concentrated grapes. In the Western Cape, farmers have even learned to grow crops in what appear to be rocky soils, using deep agronomic understanding and soil-smart techniques. This proves that with the right approach, soil of any type can be nurtured into something productive. Omnia, for example, plays a crucial role in supporting smallholder farmers through a mix of hands-on expertise and practical tools. Our agronomists work with farmers in the field to understand local conditions, recommend appropriate interventions, and share knowledge that's grounded in local realities. While information is freely available online, it doesn't always apply to a farmer's specific context. Whether they're growing for their own families or their entire communities, farmers must have access to climate and location-specific advice and access to quality fertilisers and biostimulants. We also support small-scale farmers across South Africa through our Nutriology model, which includes soil testing via our Chemtech laboratory, tailored fertiliser solutions, and crop-specific nutrient strategies, which are all designed to improve soil health and unlock yield potential in a practical, accessible way. The future of small-scale farming in SA The country's upcoming premier agricultural expo, Nampo 2025, will shine a spotlight on innovations adapted to South African conditions. Omnia will be there, sharing insights and solutions, while celebrating the role of small-scale farmers in driving food security, community upliftment, and agricultural innovation. As the local farming landscape evolves, so too does the importance of nurturing the very ground beneath our feet. Ultimately, healthy soil is more than a farming tool, it's the foundation for healthy communities, thriving families, and a more resilient, food-secure South Africa.
