In February, Landshare Australia launched a networking service that introduces people with spare land to others wanting to grow fruit and vegetables, but with nowhere to do it.
“Public concern for ëfood miles’, mounting food prices and a desire to get back to old fashioned flavour has generated a dramatic rise in people wanting to grow their own fruit and vegetables,” said gardening guru Phil Dudman, who is one of a small team launching the service.
“Everybody is catching the ëgrow your own’ bug, including restaurateurs and celebrity chefs, and the interest in cooking fresh at home is booming thanks to shows like Master Chef.
“But as the movement grows, backyards in Australia are getting smaller, leaving thousands of would be revolutionaries yearning for a piece of dirt on which to grow.
“That’s where Landshare Australia comes in.
“We plan to make Landshare Australia one of the leading websites for any Australian gardener, not only providing the matchmaking service, but allowing them to chat with other growers, get the very best growing advice from our veg doctors and download how to guides.
“With community support it will succeed and we’re hoping that with corporate support we can make it happen across Australia even faster!”
Landshare Australia is based upon the hugely successful Landshare UK website launched in 2009 by celebrity chef and ethical food warrior Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
The UK site is booming with over 57,000 growers, landowners and helpers registered to date and still growing.
The UK team are also advising on the development of the Australian site.
Landshare Australia launched its website in February 2011, allowing people to register and post their particular need for a space to grow, or offer land to share with interested gardeners.
A website search provides a selection of matches, contact is then made, terms are agreed and then growing gets going.
Councils can also get involved by offering any spare land they have available.
“The usual arrangement is that the gardener provides the landowner with a share of their produce, so everyone wins,” Phil Dudman said. “It’s that easy.
“Obviously though, we will need participants on both sides of the fence. We need people who have large backyards, hobby farms or rural properties to register, as well as those who want to get a veggie garden going.
“We also need helpers – people who are not seeking land, but can offer help in some way, from answering gardeners questions online to helping out on the plot itself.”
Phil Dudman’s own patch – the Northern Rivers – is the first area in Australia to launch Landshare Australia with participants already sharing in its first trial.
“It is working well and we look forward to getting the word out to the rest of Australia.
“People can register at the website at www.landshareaustralia.com.au.”
For further information contact Phil Dudman, telephone (02) 6622 1654 or email phil@landshareaustralia.com.au
