CORNWALL'S first community supported agriculture scheme has been set up on land at St Kew Highway, near Wadebridge.

A group of enthusiasts committed to growing and eating their own vegetables have started planting on a two-acre site next to St Kew Harvest farm shop.

Camel Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) was established at the end of last year by local people who want to produce their own food using organic farming principles.

They are seeking to recruit new members who live within a 10-mile radius of the project.

The non-profit making community project is the first of its kind in Cornwall.

It was set up with advice from the Soil Association, which is dealing with inquiries from people all over the country who want to set up similar schemes.

Volunteers from the group have begun preparing and planting the two-acre plot under the watchful eye of a team of professional vegetable growers. The first vegetables should be ready to distribute to members in June.

Camel CSA chairman Ron Muckleston said: "It's all about connecting people with the land where their food is grown, helping them to spend their money locally and reduce food miles."

The group is planning to expand on to a further 10-acre plot at St Kew Highway and employ professional growers to provide expert advice and assistance to the volunteers.

He added: "We're committed to the community as we provide employment, education and recreation, and support local farmers and producers."

The Brown family, who own the land, have offered two acres rent free until July. TT Compost Ltd at St Teath has donated 30 tons of compost and Cornwall Farmers Ltd has offered discounts.

The project's management group is submitting funding bids to the Lottery Fund and the Local Action Group. So far it has successfully completed Stage 1 of the Lottery Local Food grant process. The Co-operative Society has granted £1,400 to cover start-up costs.

Membership fees cover basic running costs, including seeds and equipment, and entitle members to a weekly share in the vegetable harvest.

A small box of vegetables (which feeds one to two people) will cost £5; a medium box (feeds two to four) is £8; a large box (feeds more than four) £15.

It costs just £24 a year per household to join Camel CSA. A concessionary rate of £12 is available to people in receipt of means-tested benefit.

From June, members will be able to collect their vegetable box from the site at St Kew Highway or at selected drop-off points.

For more information contact CSA Chairman Ron Muckleston on 01840 230127 or Visit the Camel CSA blog at www.camel-csa.org.uk