Allotment demand phenomenal, says minister

THE demand for allotments was described as phenomenal by Food and Horticulture Minister Trevor Sargent.

He said this demand and the unprecedented sales of vegetable seeds indicate there is effectively a food revolution taking place in the country.

“The spin-off benefits include healthier communities and greater resilience in the face of the recession and shortage of oil and food internationally,” he said.

Mr Sargent, speaking at Bloom ‘09, which continues in Dublin until Bank Holiday Monday evening, said many people remember their parents growing food in the garden, while others remember “plots” or allotments in the community.

“There are many benefits to having allotments on public ground. Anti-social behaviour is often reduced where tended allotments are put in on waste ground.

“In this time of recession, people are trying to save money and may have more time to devote to community work, gardening and food growing,” he said.

Mr Sargent highlighted two initiatives to encourage more Irish people to grow their own food.

One was the launch of a pilot Good Practice Standard and Flag for farmers’ markets by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the other was the Green Party’s “Get Ireland Growing” campaign.

There are more than 140 farmers’ markets in the country and the pilot voluntary standard announced by Mr Sargent will be denoted by a flag, which participating outlets may display.

Those signing up to the standard will undertake to hold markets regularly, and source a substantial proportion, ideally 50%, of local produce from the county or neighbouring counties.

Participants will also undertake to accommodate seasonal and local garden-allotment produce, and comply with food safety and labelling rules and criteria on good governance.

Mr Sargent said he had set up an advisory group to recommend guidelines in response to criticism of a lack of common standards in markets.

More than 30 submissions had been made in the public consultation.

He said his intention is that the standard would give consumers more confidence in what markets stand for and provide producers with a good route to market and an opportunity to deal directly with consumers.

Mr Sargent said these markets play a crucial role in developing and maintaining the all-important chain of trust and value that links the farmer and the consumer.

The application process will commence on June 15. Forms will be available on-line from Bord Bia and the department from that date.

The closing date for the first round of applications is July 31.

A non-refundable application fee of €50 will be required to cover administrative costs.

Successful applicants will receive certification and may apply for the flag whose logo features a range of food produce to capture the best of what farmers’ markets have to offer.

Mr Sargent said he is also working closely with Green Party leader and Environment Minister John Gormley to increase the numbers of people growing food at home and on allotments.

Moves include an allotment officer for local authorities, targeted development plans to provide land for growing food in the community, easier access and guidelines for farmers’ markets and books and guides on how to grow your own food.

“For the bigger local authorities, such as the city councils, we will look to provide an allotments officer who will work to ensure the provision of adequate land resources for allotments and community gardens.

“This position would compare to the role of a heritage officer or a housing officer and could operate on a part-time basis,” he said.

Mr Sargent said in the past, local authority development plans have often overlooked the necessary green space to provide for good growing ground.

“I am hopeful that state bodies such as Teagasc could advise local authorities on where to place plots and gardens,” he said.