Cromwell Crop Swap is back for its third year, giving the community the chance to bring their surplus spring and summer bounty to give to those who would love it, and to leave for home with a treasured, useful or beautiful gift from others’ surplus.
After a bumpy start to the season, on 13 November, when bad weather cancelled the first planned meet, Crop Swap will kick off on Saturday, 27 November from 9-10am, in the green space behind the Masonic Lodge at the Cromwell Heritage Precinct.
Organiser Nita Smith says, “Last year was fantastic, so we are very excited for this year. In the past people have brought items such as fresh eggs, flowers, bread, herbs and veggies from the garden, preserves made with autumn harvest, or seedlings that you have just got going.”
Georgie Affleck, Connect Cromwell liaison officer and one of the Crop Swap Team, founded the service in 2018, explaining that the concept was about generous giving and mindful taking.
It is part of a New Zealand-wide initiative that began in 2014 in Taranaki, and aims to bring together backyard gardeners, home bakers and food foragers for swapping and sharing of high-quality foods on a regular basis. “Toha atu; Toha mai – I share with you; you share with me.”
No deals need to be made – the community is urged to give whatever they have in surplus, and to help themselves, taking just what they need. Nita says, “Everyone is welcome – young and old. So come along and say hello, bring along your seedlings or seeds… we can’t wait to see you.”
