Southampton Seed Swap

One of the aims of the event is to help counter the perception amongst many people that growing your own food organically is difficult and time consuming. At the supermarket consumers are presented with the "choice" between "organic" and "conventionally grown" veg. Organic produce almost invariably comes with a substantial markup in part due to the excessive packaging and the separation from the rest of the produce. This distinction means that generally people have to make a specific choice to go organic rather than it being the default choice. Many people are also put off buying into such lifestyle choices as they are sick of being told what to eat - especially as the message tends to reverse from week to week. It is difficult to evaluate all these choices so consumers become apathic. In order to overcome this organic food producers need to connect more directly with people. Many organic delivery schemes exist but the quality can vary and the food miles can also be a problem. However, with the demise of local greengrocers from many small towns and larger cities if you want your veg from a non-chain supermarket then these will probably be the only choice. Farmers markets are also a good source of local produce, and need support from the community if they are to be sustainable. They also provide a good opportunity to interact and learn about how your food is produced.

Another option is to start growing your own food locally. There are many avenues available to people even in the big cities. There are many ways and levels of involvement possible. Ziggy one of the organisers of the Seed Swap advises:
"Get an allotment. If you can't do that (waiting lists etc) chat to the site reps and ask if they need volunteers about the site. Often there are plot holders who feel they are struggling - you may inherit' a plot that way. Same goes for gardens - there are lots of people who haven't got the time to garden - you can come to an arrangement to do the gardening for them and take a share of the produce. At the moment, I am looking after a friend's permaculture back garden in Eastleigh and this set up works quite well."

Other groups that may be of interest to those looking to start growing their own include: Garden Organic (who used to be HDRA - Henry Doubleday Research Association www.gardenorganic.org.uk/) are running a programme - organic food for all (www.gardenorganic.org.uk/foodforall/index.php) Its aimed at people who might otherwise be excluded from growing their own..

WWOOF: www.wwoof.org/ "The aims of WWOOF are to enable people to learn first-hand about organic growing techniques:
# to enable town-dwellers to experience living and helping on a farm
# to help farmers make organic production a viable alternative
# to improve communications within the organic movement.

Permaculture UK: "Permaculture in Practice Permaculture is about creating sustainable human habitats by following nature's patterns." It uses the diversity, stability and resilience of natural ecosystems to provide a framework and guidance for people to develop their own sustainable solutions to the problems facing their world, on a local, national or global scale. It is based on the philosophy of co-operation with nature and caring for the earth and its people. There is a new wiki being developed to help explain the aims of permaculture and should provide a good introduction for those looking to learn:
http://permaculture.wikicities.com/wiki/Main_Page

Come along and find out more. Many local green and environmental groups will also have stalls at the event. Other events in the near future include South East Essex Permaculture one day gathering on April 1st:
Spiral Seed

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