I represent Incredible Edible Lambeth, a grassroots food growing network in London. We are currently working to strengthen the policy environment for food growing in Lambeth, London, as part of a Right To Grow network and also as part of our local food partnership (Lambeth Food Partnership). Your report was very useful to help me understand the wider context and drivers for creating sustainable urban food environments.
Your analysis of urban and peri-urban food growing is accurate in identifying the factors that inhibit food growing in London - lack of policy support for food growing at local authority level, lack of joined up working between communities and statutory authorities and a lack of joined up working across council departments. In London there is also a lack of financial resources - people are managing projects on a shoestring with short term funding if any, and food growers are in competition with developers for secure access to land.
The factor that is missing from your report is the need to build community and human capacity for food growing. IEL supports 120 community groups that grow food on housing estates, streets, meanwhile spaces, schools etc. Community food growing relies on access to land and physical resources but it also relies on people as a key resource. Projects are led by residents, many of whom are people managing physical and mental health challenges, and who are non-traditional learners. They are often working alone or in a small group in a difficult environment where there are multiple challenges eg high levels of conflict, and they often face institutional barriers to food growing. They urgently need the following support: upskilling (including organisational skills such as fundraising, community engagement and governance), and they want a stronger connection to other growers and decision makers.
Thanks again for giving the opportunity to contribute to this work.
Ms. Victoria Sherwin