As a nation we have become increasingly disconnected from where our food comes from. Over the last few decades not enough emphasis has been placed on training the next generation of people to grow and raise our food. It is a sad fact that unless you have a farming background it can be hard to find a route into this sector.
To find solutions to this problem Regather are working with the Urban Agriculture Consortium and the Landworkers Alliance to open up pathways for new entrants into farming and horticulture.
A Farmstart scheme is a way that this happens in other places and there are now five operating across the UK. Farmstarts are designed to move people with a passion for producing food to the next stages of professional development.
Different Farmstarts offer varying levels of support, based on local need, however they all provide:
Regather are currently conducting a feasibility study into opening up pathways into horticulture and farming in Sheffield.
As part of this research we want to hear from individuals and community groups who are serious about joining the next generation of urban farmers and market gardeners.
Responding to our Do you want to feed Sheffield? survey will help us make a stronger case and could perhaps take you one step closer to realising your ambition.
