Growing Food Together fund

People looking and learning how to grow fruit
Lisa Paton
Tuesday 7 September 2021 - 14:38

Following the success of last year’s launch, the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) ‘Growing Food Together’ Fund is once again offering a cash boost to community growing projects in Scotland.

Supported by the Scottish Government, and this time open to applications from across the whole country, projects can apply for part of the £100,000 fund that aims to foster community engagement in growing and learning about food and promote healthy eating and outdoor exercise. 

Projects could include elements of growing projects that involve:

  • the installation of physical infrastructure
  • sourcing materials and equipment in preparation for the 2022 growing season
  • soil analysis testing
  • site feasibility studies or design work
  • or, non-site based projects such as the development and delivery of learning exchange programmes, skills and training and events that seek to increase awareness and interest in local community growing opportunities.

The Green Action Trust (GAT) is managing the fund as part of its work to drive forward the delivery of the Central Scotland Green Network.

Community growing projects are a key part of creating an environment which allows Scotland and its people to thrive, and the Green Action Trust is particularly interested in applications that help to fit community growing into Scotland’s recovery from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Derek Robertson, Chief Executive at the Green Action Trust, commented:

“We are all aware of how important access to good quality local greenspaces is. Community growing projects provide physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits to growers as well as healthy food.

“This fund is an excellent opportunity to support communities who would like to develop and improve their own outdoor spaces. We look forward to hearing from projects that will bring people together to enjoy the health benefits of growing their own fresh fruit and vegetables and create more resilient communities.”

Applications close on 14 October. For full details, and to apply, visit the Central Scotland Green Network website.