Growing a sustainable future 15.06.2009
A revolutionary project in East Lancashire has created a link between sustainable living and supporting disadvantaged individuals.
The Stable Trading Company, based in the Ribble Valley, sells organic and sustainable produce that has been planted, nurtured, prepared, cooked and sold by individuals who may be faced with disabilities, mental health problems or other challenges.
The object of the programme is to rehabilitate individuals by providing them with employment opportunities and accredited training courses in baking, catering, growing organic products and developing horticultural and agricultural projects, with the eventual aim of long-term employment.
Stable Trading currently comprises of four projects across Lancashire; The Pantry in Accrington, Growing with Grace at Gisburn and Clapham and a site at Calderstones with many others in the pipeline.
John Atherton, the man behind Stable Trading, said: “Our aim is to focus on a sustainable future for the residents of Lancashire.
“Stable Trading provides individuals with the ability to farm organically and offers highly marketable skills to help obtain permanent jobs - something that they may not have had the opportunity to do before.
“For those wanting to enjoy the good life, Stable Trading offers quality fresh fruit and vegetables from a local source, including a home delivery service which emphasises organic locally-nurtured produce,” he added.
The box service is part of Stable Trading’s ‘Growing with Grace’ project, where organic fruit and vegetables are grown, packed on site and delivered throughout Lancashire, bringing the best seasonal produce straight from the fields to your doorstep.
John and the Trinity Community Partnership charity in Clitheroe established Stable Trading in 2007 as a Community Interest Company (CIC), to encourage equality and social inclusion through horticultural projects.
“At Stable Trading we are dedicated to helping less fortunate individuals and producing good quality organic food; that’s what we’re about.
“The success of the individuals who we work with is a great tribute to the project and all those involved with Stable Trading,” he concluded.
The Stable Trading Company is run as a financially sustainable social enterprise - not a charity - and any profits the business makes is ploughed back to help sow the seeds of success for disadvantaged individuals and the community.
Its status as a CIC means that funds can be raised from private individuals and businesses by the sale of shares in the company in addition to other government grants and charity foundation monies.
If you would like to support the Stable Trading Company through membership, sponsorship or volunteering opportunities, please contact John Atherton at john@stabletrading.co.uk or visit www.stabletrading.co.uk.
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