FAQS

How can I get involved with the programmes?

I Can Grow– Applications for I Can Grow generally open in November each year, with successful applicants being notified early in the new year.

I Can Cook– To find out about upcoming I Can Cook programmes, please keep an eye on our website and our social media.

Growing Challenges– This programme works directly with different growing sites/ groups. On occasions we advertise for extra participants. Please keep an eye on our website and our social media.

Who has funded Acorn Farm?

Acorn Farm’s capital build, the gatelodge and farm, has be funded by UK Levelling Up (£5.6m) and Derry City & Strabane District Council (£600k). DCSDC are the project lead.

Acorn Farm’s revenue budget, programmes and staffing, have been funded by The National Lottery’s Community Fund (Climate Action Fund). The Community Foundation NI are the project lead.

How much do I have to pay to join a programme?

Zilch. Nada. Nothing. Acorn Farm’s programmes are free to take part in.

How can I follow the progress of the Acorn Farm build?

The best way to follow the progress of Acorn Farm’s capital build is through this website and our social media channels, Instagram & Facebook.

Which organisations are involved with Acorn Farm?

Acorn Farm is well and truly a partnership. Derry City & Strabane District Council are the lead partners in the capital build (the brick and mortar side of things). This is funded by the Department of Levelling Up.

The Community Foundation NI and the lead partners in the programming side of Acorn Farm. This is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.

The programme delivery partners are The Conservation Volunteers (I Can Grow), Developing Healthy Communities NI (I Can Cook) and Social Farms & Gardens NI (Growing Challenges).

Natural World Products support the project through their compost.

What is a 'Sustainable Food Place'?

The Sustainable Food Places network brings together pioneering food partnerships from towns, cities, boroughs, districts and counties across the UK that are driving innovation and best practice on all aspects of healthy and sustainable food. Sustainable Food Places is a partnership programme led by the Soil Association, Food Matters and Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming. It is funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and The National Lottery Community Fund.

Derry City & Strabane became a member of Sustainable Food Places network in 2021, and became gained it’s Bronze Award in 2023. Derry City & Strabane’s food partnership is called the Acorn Food Network.

What vegetable is in the banner photo at the top of the page?

It is kohlrabi!

Kohlrabi is a peculiar looking vegetable with beautiful leaves on long stems growing upward from a round bulb — perhaps you’ve come across kohlrabi in your local fruit and veg shop and walked right by because you weren’t sure what it was! Or maybe you’ve seen a recipe for it and wondered “What is kohlrabi?” Kohlrabi is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family and originated in Northern Europe that grows well in our climate. Vegetables in the same family include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, collards, kale, turnips, and more. Kohlrabi can be found or grown in green and purple varieties. Both varieties are a great source of vitamins B6 and C, fiber, and potassium.

Your website uses the word horticulture a lot. What is the difference between agriculture and horticulture?

Agriculture typically involves the large-scale cultivation of crops and livestock. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including crop cultivation, animal husbandry, forestry, and aquaculture.

Horticulture, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the cultivation of vegetables, fruits, flowers, ornamental plants, and herbs. It often involves less intensive techniques and is typically practiced on a smaller scale compared to agriculture.