New resource for community growers
A free web resource giving information on new trends in local food growing and land access has been created by FCFCG to help local people wanting to start community projects.
Research has been carried out on 17 different topics, investigating new developments in established areas like allotments and community orchards, and finding out about newer ideas such as local food coalitions and the rapidly growing Abundance movement.
The resource is intended as a gateway to a bewildering and fast-changing field, and is aimed at potential community groups, the public, local authorities, researchers, students and anyone else who want information on the variety of initiatives that are emerging as a result of the demand for local food growing.
Illustrated by case studies and with signposting to more expert and in-depth advice, the online resource has been funded by the Local Food Programme, the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and the Department for Communities and Local Government.
The upsurge of interest in 'growing your own', and the lack of statutory land available has created a rapidly-moving situation with many potential opportunities for new and established community groups. But it can prove complex and difficult to keep up with, according to FCFCG Chief Executive Jeremy Iles.
“People looking for information can find it hard to fathom what best suits their needs, what suits their community and what suits any land they may have identified. We’re not suggesting we are experts in all of the areas mentioned – that’s why we are signposting to organisations who specialise in particular areas. But we are often a gateway for community groups, and others, who need some help to cut through the information overload and find valuable, up-to-date information.
“This resource is intended to help them by looking at all these new developments and trends. They can also learn from the success of others by reading case studies or visiting websites.”
You can access the resource information direct using this link.
