Myles Bremner, Chief Executive of Garden Organic, the UK’s leading authority on organic growing, explains why he believes organic gardening will play an important role in the future of our food.

Why gardening matters

“There is no question that we are on the cusp of change. Soon all of our lives will without doubt become increasingly affected by peak oil, global warming and food insecurity and the challenge to individuals will be how to respond. Whatever we do must reconnect us with our planet so that we begin to understand what role we play in its future.

Climate change, dwindling reserves of fossil fuels and threats to our food supply are global problems that are intrinsically linked, but by taking individual action on a local level, starting in our back gardens, we can all begin to address the challenges.

People have become increasingly disconnected with the food they eat and separated from the nature around them. Where we once engaged more actively in gardening and growing, we now use gardens as an extension of our living rooms - primarily for aesthetics. This is why gardening matters, because it provides us with the opportunity to get back in touch with the land and gain a vital ‘food awareness’ that will help us to begin taking control of our food supply.

Gardening for all

With over 82% of households having a garden or outside space, the potential for a sustainable food supply for all, through home and community production is a realistic possibility. However, the challenge will be to encourage the 60% that don’t currently use their gardens for home food production to take a more active role.

To achieve this we must accept that growing food is a vital life skill, as useful as maths and English. We must educate the population in how to grow from an early age and create ”food literacy” in our culture. We must put food back in the hearts of individuals and communities and there is no more powerful driver than teaching people how to grow their own through face to face training, education and hands-on practical support.

The future of our food supply lies with localised, resilient food production systems, including community supported agriculture schemes, allotment growers and home food producers. In our food future domestic production must be in evidence to complement the supply from commercial markets and provide access to affordable fruit and veg for all.

With this in mind, and in the interests of the environment, the health of our soil, wildlife, and people, we must make sure that new land coming into production is managed in accordance with organic principles and practices.

How gardening will contribute to a safer food future

There is no doubt that the challenge of food security requires fundamental change to world agriculture, with a need to adopt ecological, sustainable methods based on the use of renewable energy and organic practices. Within this, we must not forget the opportunities we have in our immediate reach, through the land sitting in our back gardens.

The potential of domestic scale food production must be recognised by Government, and once this is achieved we must adopt a holistic, joined-up approach between organisations and communities that will help bring gardening to everyone.

I won’t dispute that these ideals of a self-sufficient Britain are a long way off, but change is coming and we must start taking significant steps now to be ready. We will be challenged by those who will cite a lack of time or space as a barrier to start growing, however these people can be encouraged to grow food in pots and window boxes or to simply dig up a patch of lawn. What is important is to hone the ‘how to grow’ skill now, in preparation for a time when food is no longer in copious supply.

We must not under estimate the role that gardens and gardening can play in securing a healthier, more environmentally robust future. Gardening will encourage community cohesion, providing opportunity for re-skilling, and will reconnect people with the provenance of the food they eat. At Garden Organic, we are already helping people to grow their own, what we need to do now is convince the Government that gardens can help us to sustainably meet the challenge of food security.”

To find out more about Garden Organic visit http://www.organic.org.uk or call 024 76 303517.