Green Project of the Year Finalist: The Local Green Box's 'routes to market for producers'

The Local Green Box in an initiative set up to provide fresh, organic produce to customers.

The project was established six years ago by Imelda Mullen and her husband Pauric, who is an organic farmer from Kildallan.

It is part of The Cottage Market, which provides “roots to market for small scale food producers".

“The message out there now is that good food is too expensive,” Imelda said, which drove her to set up the project.

Imelda expressed her frustration at not being able to access homegrown produce, which is how the idea for the initiative came about.

“The Green Box is just another root to market to get local food out there.”

It comprises producers who inform the Local Green Box what they have to sell each week.

The produce is then put up online, pre-ordered by customers and delivered to Cavan Town, Cootehill, Ballyconnell and Virginia.

“This prevents any food waste, the producer, particularly the grower, will know exactly how much he or she has sold before they even go into the field.”

Food is advertised and customers order from a Sunday to a Wednesday, orders then go the producers who bring their produce to be distributed on a Friday.

“We put it into the customer boxes,” Imelda explained, detailing that customers “want to know where their food is coming from".

“They also want vegetables that are grown in the area, which means they are fresher and far more nutritious.”

Reaching the Green Project of the Year finals was a shock for Imelda, however she is delighted with the recognition of their project.

“We have been working very hard.

“It’s an ongoing project,” she said.

“It’s an uphill battle so any recognition and any positivity is very positive.”

More information on the Local Green box can be found at cottagemarketcavan.ie

or by checking their social media pages.