Calling veg lovers - Inver-based Shy By Nature Farm launches veg box for south Donegal
We are delighted to up our 2023 summer veg box pilot to subscribers. Places are limited - sign up at our Shop.
“The vegetables are growing and we can’t wait to get the first box out the door,” said Ronan McNern, a social and environmental campaigner who is turning the family farm in Inver into a regenerative farm, with his brother Gareth and volunteers.
“Over the past year, we’ve got the polytunnel and ponds in place, and with the help of volunteers, friends and neighbours, we’ve created more than 80 no dig veg beds. The reception has been phenomenal. Thank you to everyone that has made this happen!”
With local seasonal vegetables, grown in harmony with nature and harvested for freshness and flavour, Shy By Nature Farm which is currently in organic conversion, offers:
A one size veg box containing 6-9 portions of different vegetables, designed to provide a balanced diet for up to 4 people depending on your love of vegetables. We choose the freshest seasonal veg, mixing it up so there is variety, including staples such as leafy greens plus more interesting items.
Typical veg across the season, plus herbs and surprises: Mixed salad leaves, Kale, Radishes, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Courgettes, Pumpkins, Beetroot, Carrots, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chard, Rocket, Spinach, Garlic, Leeks, Onions, Beans, Peas. NB: Some items might change on the day.
With weekly or fortnightly boxes available for 20 weeks from Friday 16 June to 27 October, collection points will be in Inver Community Centre, Donegal Town’s Simple Simons, Killybegs and Ardara - with home delivery possible for an extra cost.
Sliding scale pricing - Fairer prices to suit different people’s pockets, so we improve community health and widen access to our food. Prices start from €12/box. As the cost price is €18/box, people choose a price point based on their income and resources, with those on higher means helping to subsidise lower income boxes.
Want to see the farm?
We’d love to welcome you to our Welcome events to tour the farm, meet the crew and taste veg from 10-11.30am on 10 and 24 June (both Saturdays), with the option to participate in our Volunteer Days on the very same days. We also have a Volunteer Day on 27 June starting from 10am. For all events, contact us to reserve your space.
Ronan added: “Ireland currently imports 70-80% of our fruit and vegetables, with Donegal being particularly exposed to food insecurity as the often forgotten county. In these challenging times, with our beginning veg market garden and farm, we hope to play a small role in growing tasty vegetables that connect people to the land that sustains them, while building community resilience. And having a laugh along the way!”
Shy By Nature Farm uses regenerative practices that respect soil life - including no-dig techniques, no pesticides or herbicides - leading to healthy plants, full of vitamins, nutrients, and minerals.
More than a veg box
By signing up to the Shy By Nature Farm veg box, people are becoming part of something more. They get to visit the farm, taste, see (and tend to) our veg grown in harmony with nature and become part of the journey. Your participation reduces food waste, as the veg has a home to go to plus you help the farm’s cash flow so we can focus on growing for you. Known as Community Supported Agriculture, the model that we are inspired by creates a direct relationship between us, the farmer and you, the community - where responsibilities, risks and rewards are shared in equal balance.
