How can we make local organic food (fruit and veg) more accessible to urban/ rural residents?

The average person  on a lower income bracket in Ireland can not afford to shop for organic fresh local produce. Most often choices are limited to supermarket veg and fruit which is far less sustainable and lacking in nutrients. For those living outside of larger cities there is less access to organic food stores/ co-ops / allotments and farmers markets .

We do not have enough allotments available in Ireland. In fact we have the lowest number in Europe and as an island have become dependent on imported foods, 'organic' fruit and veg.

Irish law states that Allotments are  public amenity which local authorities must provide for when needed in a community. The government need to take responsibility for the part they play in current food security crisis and climate change. It is there duty to supply land for allotments for food production and  as citizens we need to take control of our food and  again.

Community run allotments are much in need for local food production in urban rural towns in Ireland.  

Why is it so difficult to source local organic foods unless you have an organic farm close by , even then these food producers generally have to  charge more.

How can we change this?..........................

Lets start with getting an Co-op allotment and growing together.

A co-op designed allotment will run through both allotment growers / staff and volunteers. If it dose not suit to grow their own food but members still want access to organic local affordable food they can volunteer hours in return for veg box/discounts on produce.

Shared ownership and maintenance will be organized between members. At present we are looking to form a community who are interested in being part of a working group to lobby for a piece of land /funding towards site for an allotment in the area of ..........{ local town}.

We as an Island have out sourced our main staples and import most of our fruit and veg.  Allotments are the way forward in returning Ireland to self sufficiency in food production . Every person has the right to healthy local nutritious food .The benefits of growing your own food go far beyond saving money and health. Locally grown organic foods have a positive impact on local bio-diversity and our environment and general people and planet health. Working together as a community benefits in social change and mental health.