We're incredibly excited to have the ferment connoisseur Patrick Meaney from Farm to Ferment hosting a one hour 'basics of fermenting' here at Common Ground Project. This workshop will be held on the day of our Harvest Festival (3rd of November!), and will be a one hour session among the bustling program exploring the fundamentals of vegetable preservation, flavour, and sharing in the reverence of food together.

Patricks mind is bubbling away at the seams with ferment-y knowledge and years of learnt wisdom, and we can't wait for you all to get an insight into his incredible mind and new project: Farm to Ferment.

This is a free workshop and if spots are available, people can join on the day. However spots are limited, and pre-booking helps Patrick prepare. Suitable for 9 years old & older.

Whats covered in the workshop:

For aeons fermentation has allowed for the growth and creation of cultures around the world. It has beckoned in the gathering of community as an effective way to preserve abundant harvests all the while preventing mass food waste. Fermentation also allows for the development of complex flavours, increased bioavailability, and enhanced nutrition - the benefits are endless. We live in a society where food waste and in-access to nutritious food are some of the most impactful aspects of the current ecological crises we are faced with. There is a rumbling of curiosity in the action of reviving fermentation - (most) bacteria are our friends. In this workshop we foment that sense of intrigue and guide you through the basic principles of fruit and vegetable fermentation, equipping you with a foundational skill set to alchemise plants at home. This workshop will act as a bubbly-beginning for the chance to utilise fermentation to vitalise connection and culture.

Whats included in this ticket:

A spot in the Farm to Ferment workshop. No ticketed entry is required to the Harvest Festival, however the day will go from 8am-3pm so there will be a lot to engage with pre and post the workshop.
All materials for demonstrations included

What to Wear & Bring:

Come dressed for any weather – we will be outside on the farm.
Please note: to protect yourself on the farm, you must wear closed-toed shoes. Flat boots or gumboots are suitable, especially when it rains.
Please bring a waterbottle and your own materials for note taking.

Who is Farm to Ferment?

Farm to Ferment is a collective of alchemists melded together by the passion to reinvent current food systems. Through the transmuting application of fermentation, Farm to Ferment aims to support small scale producers by invigorating second-grade produce. We host on-farm workshops inviting community members to strengthen their relationship with local growers, the land they live on and their relationship to geo-localised produce. Through the practical and tangible action of fermentation, Farm to Ferment facilitates an opportunity to cultivate a connected community and encourage the development of culture.

Patrick Meaney, fermenter. Patrick is passionate about overcoming fermenting misconceptions, and empowering people to take back control of their food, so that people can experience the joy of a shelf laden with bubbling goodies. Patrick will lead the workshop, be the hands on help on the day and lead the group with passion!

Maddy Wright, mycelial connector, enthusiastic generalist, host. Maddy will facilitate the admin of the event; supporting on the day where necessary.

See details of the Harvest Festival here.