Group to encourage growing your own food

A GROUP will be launched nationwide next month to encourage people to grow their own food.

Established by journalist and author Michael Kelly, GIY aims to establish local food grower groups in every town in Ireland.

“GIY Ireland is looking for local champions who are interested in setting up a GIY group in their area and we will give them all the help they need to get a sustainable, successful group up and running,” he said.

Hundreds of people are already involved in existing GIY groups. GIY Waterford has more than 100 members that meet every month. They also make garden visits, swap seeds and plants and barter for produce.

GIY meetings are free and open to people interested in food growing at all levels — from growing a few herbs on the balcony to complete self-sufficiency.

“Growing your own food can be an isolating experience, particularly when you are a novice and you don’t know where to start,” Mr Kelly said.

“A GIY group is about creating a grower’s community so that people can come together in their locality to learn from each other and exchange tips, knowledge and produce.”

Speakers at the GIY Ireland launch, which takes place in Waterford Institute of Technology, will include Joy Larkcom, Trevor Sargent, Darina Allen, Michael Kelly and Will Sutherland.

There will also be a demonstration on cooking with sustainable fish by Fresh From the Sea author and TV presenter Clodagh McKenna.

Tickets at €35 include a seasonal dinner and are available from www.GIYIreland.com

Other events at the Waterford Harvest Festival include a Harvest Feast on the Saturday evening and a farmer’s market in the city centre on the Sunday.