Kindling has just heard that is 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 were looking for: communities – both rural and urban - to develop resilient, co-operative activities to improve the longevity and reach of local food in their area.
Kindling in partnership with Moss Brook Growers, Glebelands City Growers, Dig Food, Unicorn Grocery, Abundance Manchester, MERCi, Hulme Community Garden Centre & Debdale Eco-Centre submitted an initial application in October 2010. The request was for support 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.
Work on the project will start in the New Year of 2011.