Community food growers took part in a “seed dating” event at Stoke Newington farmers market.

Residents were invited to the market at St Paul’s Church, Stoke Newington High Street, to choose seeds and pair up with other people to sow them together for spring.

The European Union is discussing new laws to restrict the free exchange of seeds.

Rob Ronan, from the Community Food Growers Network, said: “It’s about communities taking control where they get their food from. If the EU seed law is passed, then we will be unable to swap seeds freely.”

Owen Lovelock, of Harry Zeital Way, Clapton, who took part in the event, said: “It was really good fun. I swapped seeds with a lovely lady called Robyn. And since then our seeds have blossomed.”