Grow It Yourself aims to help people become self-sufficient in growing their own food by sharing ideas, talents and skills.

*Bring this to your community: Contact – Sarah Bernstein, sbernstein@ashoka.org*

The need

The first issue which GIY chose to address was that of an oversupply of imported fruit and vegetables, which can easily be grown here, in the temperate Irish climate.

Concentrating more on this issue, it became apparent that vegetables were being transported from over 10’000 kilometers distance; furthermore the imbalance between the e7million value of exports clashed with the e5million value of imported food to Ireland every year.

When the idea began, Michael felt the skills and knowledge needed for growing fruit and vegetables existed in the community but there was no shared platform upon which to transfer them.

The solution

The idea promotes a sense of community, sharing of skills and also helps address the imbalance of oversupply of low quality imported fruit and vegetables. People who grow their own food are less likely to buy imports and more likely to support local growers and farmers. This, in turn, supports the economy and the environment.

GIY's vision is for a healthier, more sustainable and more connected society where people grow their own food. We inspire and empower people to grow their own by bringing them together in community groups and online to share tips, ideas and produce.

How it works

Based on the oversupply of imported fruit and vegetables and the lack of 'space' to share knowledge to grow them, an initial group was established. This group meets on a regular basis to exchange knowledge, skills and plant seeds, seedlings and eventually fruit and vegetables.

From this initial group, there are almost 100 clubs with almost 12’000 participants meeting on a weekly or bi-monthly basis around Ireland, promoting teaching and learning about self-sufficient food production, improving members physical and mental health by doing so.