International Fund for Ireland Growing Together Programme
‘Growing Together’ cross border organic gardening and peace building supported by the International Fund for Ireland
The ‘Growing Together’ programme has bloomed into a thriving local network of women’s, schools and community organic gardens. The programme, supported by the International Fund For Ireland and now in its second year, has brought people together from all communities, walks of life and from both sides of the border, working together with shared goals of better community understanding and relations - all through the medium of organic gardening.
Over 200 people from the age of eight to 73 years of age are involved in the ‘Growing Together’ Programme. Gardeners learn and grow together and take home their organic produce to share with family and friends.The gardens are located in two clusters, one around the Fermanagh-Leitrim border and one around the Fermanagh-Cavan border.
Manager Andy Hallewell explained: “The current economic climate means more and more people are interested in growing their own food to reduce cost. Cooking sessions are an important part of the programme, helping people make the most of what they grow and getting the different communities together in an informal, relaxed atmosphere.”
Peace Building is at the core of the IFI programme and the participants also attend workshops to talk with each other in greater depth about the issues and challenges of living in the border counties in the early 21st century. The programme has also received additional generous support from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, County Leitrim Partnership and Polden Puckham Charitable Foundation.
For more details please contact Anita McCabe at the Organic Centre 00353 (0)719824338 or email communitygarden@theorganiccentre.ie.