"Get Growing Campaign"
Get Growing on Lewis and Harris - Barry Shelby says,
"The LHHP’s programme for getting people to raise more fruit and vegetables locally has gotten off to a running start (despite a delayed launched). With funding from the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund, the goal is to expand horticulture on the island with some 200 new growers on as much as 4 hectares of newly cultivated lands. This is ambitious, but there is evidence that many, many people are interested in growing. Some have a little experience, others have none.
But what they desire is assistance and advice. That is where a series of Get Growing workshops organised by the LHHP comes into the picture. At a recent horticultural training day in Harris, organised by LHHP with the Scottish Agricultural College and Scottish Crofting Federation, more 30 people attended over the two days. Six new members joined LHHP, and existing member Peggy Briggs allowed participants to visit her successful fruit and veg garden.
This is precisely the sort of sharing of experiences that will make a huge difference for those wishing to grow more but are quite uncertain about the tasks involved. LHHP members may not consider themselves experts (though some certainly are) but they all have the experience and knowledge that is an invaluable resource.
In addition to enabling communities and individuals to grow more for themselves -- thus enjoying fresh, flavoursome produce – this effort also contributes significantly to lowering CO
2 emissions and harmful pollution associated with commercial food production. We have all heard of food miles – that is, the vast distances which imported food travels – and the impact that has on the environment. But consider, as well, wasteful packaging and chemical fertilisers that much of our supermarket produce demands. Also, recognising that centralised food distribution is fragile for those living in remote areas, issues of food security are also addressed by our growing more.If you want to assist with the LHHP Get Growing campaign, please call or email project officer Barry Shelby (01851 612 239, barryshelby@mac.com) or speak to any of the LHHP committee members.
"Crofters will certainly benefit from this funding." -- Crofters Commission area manager Murdo MacLennan; The Press & Journal, 22 February 2010"