BOTH Hampshire Fare and Sparsholt College have farming, food and the countryside at the top of their agendas. While the county food group is dedicated to working closely with today’s local producers, Sparsholt College is busy educating the next generation of countryside specialists. This synergy in values has led to the two organisations agreeing a new partnership agreement.

The college’s extensive range of full- and part-time courses include fishery management, horticulture, agriculture, game and wildlife. The college is committed to investing in their students’ future and collaborating with Hampshire Fare is a chance to reinforce their links with the local food and farming communities and the opportunities this may bring to their students.

Tim Jackson, Principal of Sparsholt College said of the new venture: “Sparsholt College and Hampshire Fare share many mutual values and this new partnership will enable the two organisations to work closely alongside each other. There will be huge benefits to our students, some of whom will already be gaining invaluable experience working with Hampshire Fare members and some who might one day have their own businesses and be Hampshire Fare members themselves.”

Over the coming year, Sparsholt College will work closely with Hampshire Fare to lend its support to the work of the county food group. The two organisations will begin the partnership by holding an event together as part of the Hampshire Food Festival. The Taste of Hampshire event will take place at the college on Saturday, July 13 from 11am-5pm and will showcase local produce with tastings and cooking demonstrations from top local chefs and producers.

Chairman of Hampshire Fare Michael Wright said of the new partnership: “It makes sense that a college so dedicated to securing the future of the countryside through education should be able to contribute to the local food and farming community via the support of Hampshire Fare and our members.”