Welsh Programme Launched

FCFCG's exciting new programme in Wales to help people set up and manage food and gardening schemes in the heart of Welsh communities was officially launched on 23 September.

Called Tyfu Pobl (Growing People), the three year programme supports city farms, allotments, community gardens, community orchards and Community Supported Agriculture. It is a direct result of booming interest in community food growing and creating natural green spaces.

The official launch event took place at Greenmeadow Community Farm in Cwmbran. The event included a farm tour, harvest-themed workshops and a hog roast. The programme was launched by the Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and European Programmes Alun Davies.

Tyfu Pobl has been developed by the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens, which has installed regional offices in Cardiff, Pembrokeshire, Newtown and Bangor. A Community Enterprise and Funding Coordinator has also been recruited to help groups combat the effects of the current funding climate.

Training will be delivered around four main areas: sustainability, social inclusion, the setting up of a community growing project and the creation of community growing spaces for land owners. The programme, funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013, will ensure that community groups don’t work in isolation – the aim is to share knowledge and expertise so that connections between new and well-established growing schemes are created throughout Wales.

FCFCG Wales Development Manager Katie Jones said: “The number of community projects involving farming and gardening has increased by a staggering 900 per cent in the last few years. That’s a huge surge, so the Tyfu Pobl programme has been developed based on the needs of these projects – we want to provide them with the right knowledge and expertise to enable them to manage their schemes as sustainably as possible. We hope our work will enable many groups to thrive help reconnect more people in Wales with food, nature and their communities.”

Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Alun Davies said: “The Tyfu Pobl scheme will help people learn how to grow their own food as well as encouraging them to get involved in community activities, learn new skills and make new friends. Growing your own fruit and vegetables doesn’t only provide an affordable source of healthy food, but the physical activity involved also has a positive impact on health. I am delighted to launch the scheme and wish all those involved the very best of luck for the future of the project".

As part of the programme, local growing groups will benefit from support and advice from the development team as well as fieldworkers drawn from existing groups and allotments mentors. A travel bursary scheme will also be available so groups can visit each other’s sites and regional meetings to enable local growers and gardeners to meet up, learn new skills and swap ideas and inspiration.