ONE of the chief organisers of the highly successful All Under One Banner March for Independence in Glasgow is seeking backers for an exciting new project that will see urban Scots growing their own fruit and vegetables.
Borrowing from the commercially successful vertical farm developments in countries such as the USA, Japan, Germany and Singapore, Manny Singh’s Glasgow Urban Farming Initiative (GUFI) is intended to be a non-profit organisation that seeks to engage members of the Glasgow community in sustainable agriculture.
Singh says: “We believe that challenges unique to the Glasgow community such as vacant land, poor diet, nutritional illiteracy and food insecurity present a unique opportunity for community-supported agriculture.”
GUFI will use agriculture to promote education, sustainability and community while reducing socio-economic disparity – “we hope to empower urban communities”.
The aim of GUFI is ambitious, as Singh explains: “By viewing urban farming and gardening as an educational opportunity we are hoping to provide a long-term solution to the problem of food insecurity in urban areas.
“When people develop new skills they become actively engaged in the learning process. Through a combination of workshops and fieldwork, we hope to educate the citizen farmers and provide hands-on experience necessary for successful food production.”
Though “ordinary” farms and gardens might be planted, Singh is most excited by the prospect of vertical farms in disused buildings and on vacant land.
The concept is tried and tested – examples can be found online – and would be ideal for Glasgow.
As Singh says: “Some recent additions to the Glasgow scenery include abandoned buildings and houses, unkempt land and other poorly used spaces. Redeveloping these locations into food-producing plots would make them valuable assets to any community.”
Unemployment would also be tackled, he adds: “With the current state of Glasgow`s economy, a large community of unemployed people exists. These people are not bound by the constraints of 9-to-5 employment and may have more time available to participate in community service projects.
“Community farming can support a healthy lifestyle, especially in times of limited income.”
Above all GUFI would mean access to nutritious food closer to home. He explains: “Urban areas have particular difficulty providing consistent access to nutritious food and fresh produce. Such circumstances are particularly acute in low-income neighbourhoods, where people may not have access to transportation.
“Local urban gardens and farms provide a source of fresh, affordable produce available to the whole community.
“Many people are disconnected from their food and where it comes from. We intend to provide ongoing educational opportunities for the community concerning the growing and harvesting of produce, in addition to its nutritional value. We want people to develop a certain consciousness about where their food comes from.”
Singh has identified a site in Maryhill for a demonstration urban farm, and as well as the farm there would be a showcase for vertical and other forms of non-traditional farming.
Can you help? Contact martin.hannan@thenational.scot
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