The first community event was held in March and was attended by residents, members of voluntary and public organisations where they discussed and identified some action areas ranging from accessibility, affordability, food growing, healthy food and issues surrounding food supply.

The follow-up event was held in Saracen House, Possilpark earlier this month and had a focus on the topical issue of ‘The Future of Scottish Farming’. Around 35 people attended the event including residents, education, Poverty Alliance, community organisations and farmers.

There was a real energy around the room as people participated in groups to discuss issues such as ‘Who is Farming for’ and ‘Who benefits from Farming’ and people could see connections to their community.

Pete Ritchie, Nourish Scotland director, said: “We welcome the opportunity from the Scottish Government to start a national conversation around farming in Scotland. We hope that as a result of this process, measures will be put in place to work in balance with the land, communities, our health, climate, soils and sustainable local economies.”

Comments from those who attended included:

“Shorten the supply chain so we are letting people eat local therefore lessening the damage to the environment with all the air fuel”

“We should be teaching and encouraging more eco friendly farming”

“We should be encouraging high rise urban farms where we can make best use of the hidden areas which would in turn make fresh produce accessible to more people.”

Attending the event was Mr Lu, chairman of The Confederation of Fujian Association in Scotland, who said: “Thank you for the invitation to the event. I found the information provided in relation to the food growing situation and its future vision very inspiring. We greatly enjoyed taking part in the many discussions.”

Mr Lu showed his gratitude by providing a range of Chinese cooked food enjoyed by the participants.

To hear more about the work within this area contact regeneration manager for ng homes Margaret Layden on 0141 560 6000 or visit the Nourish Scotland website.

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