On Monday 11th April Helen and Chloe visited Dunham Massey to meet with one of our organic growers, Chris Hewitt (pictured). Having discussed the Land Army project at FeedingManchester #6, the first stage of the project is now under-way, with 3 of our local growers having been interviewed and another two interviews to take place this week. The grower consultation will be the foundation for designing the Land Army pilot(s).
Growers are being asked if they already use paid workers (we don't want to displace paid workers) or volunteers for specific tasks and what those tasks are. We are also asking what tasks they would like to use volunteers for and what training or other resources (such as transport, refreshments, tools) they could provide; plus questions relating to the long term sustainability of the project. See below for the questionnaire.
This year Kindling was one of only six food projects from across England to secure support and a grant from the Local Food System programme. The funder: Making Local Food Work: are working with communities – both rural and urban - to develop resilient, co-operative activities to improve the longevity and reach of local food in their area. More information on the Local Food System programme is available on the Making localFood work website: http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/about/localfoodsystems.cfm
Kindling is working in partnership with Moss Brook Growers, Glebelands City Growers, Dig Food, Unicorn Grocery, Abundance Manchester, MERCi, Hulme Community Garden Centre & Debdale Eco-Centre to establish a Land Army of volunteers, placements and trainees to help increase the production of sustainable food for the City.
The projects aim (by March 2012), is to establish a financially resilient 'land army', which:
- Has the capacity to involve a larger 'unskilled' pool of individuals, resulting in potential increases in yields and income for growers.
- Nurtures a small number of committed and trained individuals that growers are able to call upon in times of need.
- Offers progression for potential new growers to meet increased demand.
The idea was inspired by the women's land armies of the First & Second World Wars, and offers a solution to a number of challenges faced by local organic growers including:
- Labour issues and costs for local growers at busy periods e.g. harvest time.
- Lack of skilled labour for illness and holiday cover.
- More growers are needed to meet future demand.
- Lack of a way into growing commercially for individuals.
- Lack of opportunity for practical involvement in sustainable food systems.