New Community Food Initiative to Build on CoFarm Cambridge’s Legacy

Abbey People CIO and Cambridge Sustainable Food CIC are working together to establish a new Community Interest Company (CIC) called Grow Cambridge CIC to take care of the land that was previously home to CoFarm Cambridge and make sure it continues to thrive. The aim is to give people all over the city the chance to grow food together in sustainable, nature-friendly ways – keeping alive the sense of community and collaboration that has always made the site unique.

The initiative is backed by St Andrew’s Church, Cherry Hinton, who own the land, as well as Allia and Cambridge City Council, who are helping to shape the next steps. A big part of the journey will be working hand-in-hand with the existing volunteers and the CoFarm Foundation, honouring the passion and commitment that have made the farm such a well-loved community space.

“Strengthening Cambridge’s food system means investing in local food production,community infrastructure and resilience. By working with partners and the CoFarm community, we want to ensure this land continues to produce healthy food, build skills, and play a vital role in shaping a more sustainable food future for Cambridge.” Sam Dyer, Grow Cambridge CIC and CEO, Cambridge Sustainable Food CIC

“Partnerships and connections between organisations – like the long-standing work of CSF and Abbey People – show what’s possible when we come together. Growing food side by side is about more than what ends up on the plate; it builds relationships, skills, confidence, and a real sense of belonging. When people share land and learn together, they create something lasting that benefits the whole city. At the heart of it all are the basics we rely on – good soil and clean water. By looking after these, we can grow healthy food and healthier communities.” James Murray-White,Grow Cambridge CIC and Director, Cambridge Sustainable Food CIC

By building on this strong foundation, Cambridge Sustainable Food and Abbey People aim to open up new possibilities for community farming in Cambridge—fostering connection, sustainability, and resilience. This project forms part of a broader movement to strengthen Cambridge’s local food system: improving access to healthy, sustainably produced food, reducing reliance on external supply chains, and investing in the wellbeing of local communities.

Taking an integrated approach, the new community farm will use nature-friendly agroecological methods to support healthy ecosystems and boost biodiversity. It will create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to grow food together, improve health and wellbeing, build skills, and connect with others. Alongside access to land, training, volunteering and educational activities, the CIC will reinvest any surplus, ensuring long-lasting social and environmental impact for Cambridge.