Background research

Caroline Spelman, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with Myles Bremner, Former Chief Executive of Garden Organic and Chair of the taskforce (March 2012) at the launch of Food Growing in Schools Tasksforce Report. Photo: Garden Organic

 

Food Growing in Schools Taskforce

Full Report, March 2012 (download PDF)
Executive Summary, March 2012 (download PDF)

The Food Growing in Schools Taskforce, led by Garden Organic, was established as a response to increasing concerns about the health and well-being of our children and young people, and a confidence that food growing in schools is a successful way of dealing with these concerns, delivering many benefits.

The report demonstrates the impact food growing in schools can have, explains why it is such a powerful catalyst for change, and outlines what must be done to ensure that every child and young person, school and community, experiences the potential benefits of participation.

 

Horticulture Matters 2014

The growing crisis in UK Horticulture that is threatening our economy, environment and food security. Horticulture Matters is a report on how partners in the Horticulture industry are tackling this crisis.

Why Horticulture is important - Horticulture is the science, art, technology and business of cultivating ornamental plants, fruit and vegetables for human use. It is practiced at all levels from individuals at home, to the activities of multi-national corporations. For this reason, the Horticulture industry has joined together as the Horticulture Matters industry group to tackle the skills shortage in the industry. Key partners include: Royal Horticultural Society, Chartered Institute of Horticulture, Horticultural Trades Association, Lantra and many other organisations such as Garden Organic.

Pledges and promises - the report highlights the achievements and aims including:

  • Recruiting industry ambassadors;
  • Delivering horticultural 'test drives' to schools and colleges;
  • Promoting the GrowCareers website;
  • Delivering GrowCareers days;
  • Supporting horticulture and guidance for schools;
  • Facilitating businesses to work with schools;
  • Promoting apprenticeship opportunities;
  • Encouraging more take-up of horticultural courses;
  • Delivering a public information campaign regarding plant health;
  • Notifying Government of emerging threats.
Horticulture Matters report (pdf)