New FCFCG Programme in Wales
FCFCG is celebrating after securing funding for a new three-year programme to develop and expand its work in Wales. Called Tyfu Pobl (Growing People), the programme is funded through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013, which is itself funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Union.
Tyfu Pobl will provide support and advice for both existing and emerging community growing projects in Wales, enabling the sharing of best practice, dissemination of information and the transfer of knowledge and skills within the sector.
The programme will provide a range of support for different models of community growing schemes including: community farms and gardens, allotments, community orchards, community supported agriculture and community-managed market gardens.
This programme aims to deliver and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and good practice within the community growing sector. The aim is to achieve this through five key activities:
- Advice, support and signposting delivered by a Development Manager four regional development workers based in new offices across Wales. A new Community Enterprise and Funding Co-ordinator will provide advice and guidance to community growing schemes to aid their long term financial sustainability.
- Regional Networking seminars across Wales, will enable staff, trustees and volunteers involved in community growing schemes to come together to exchange information, provide mutual support and share good practice.
- Training events will disseminate specialist knowledge on specific areas, ensuring that projects being developed by communities are sustainable, inclusive and properly governed.
- Travel bursary programme, which will support FCFCG’s ‘Seeing is Believing’ ethos, enabling community groups to visit more established projects.
- Publications and information resources, including a leaflet providing information on the programme and what support is available, and a community growing resource pack.
