Cup of Life project launched

THE sky cleared on Sunday to allow the Byron Bay Herb Nursery to host the launch of the Cup of Life project.

The project, based on the propagation of food plants, aims to supply as many of them to the area as possible.

Davidson's plums, paw paws, kang kong and midyim berries grown in recycled Bio coffee cups collected from the Red Frog schoolies hub and local coffee outlets last December were on show and available to buy.

Live music, a circus performance, food and informative talks and movies added a sense of festivity to the day.

As well as being sold at the nursery, which is located down a lane off Bayshore Drive in Sunrise, the plants are also available from local nurseries, hardware stores, health food shops and independent supermarkets and green grocers.

Nursery manager Nick Thom said the project would improve food security, reduce food miles and create a point of difference for local businesses.

"It will help them compete with the large supermarkets and companies like Bunning's who are soon to open a store in Byron Bay," Mr Thom said.

Last year the nursery received a $4000 grant from the Byron Services Club through its community funding program and used the money to buy extra benches and irrigation.

"The extra income from the sale of plants will help us to continue to provide employment for people with disabilities," Mr Thom said.