GIY 2010 Conference to attract food growers
07.09.2010
2010 Grow It Yourself Conference will take place on 18 September at Guinness Storehouse and this year’s theme is ‘Together We Grow’.
President Mary McAleese will open the event, which is aimed at GIY local champions and anyone who is interested in finding out more about GIY or starting a group in their community. Her attendance is due to her interest in GIYing and the spirit of community and volunteerism that GIY represents.
GIY [Grow It Yourself], which was a recipient of an inaugural Arthur Guinness Fund award early this year, is a registered charity that aims to inspire people to grow their own food and give them the skills they need to do so successfully.
People can exchange information online as well as meeting as part of community groups throughout the country. There are over 70 GIY groups in communities around Ireland and circa 5,000 people involved between its community groups and
Other speakers on the day will include Diarmuid Gavin, garden designer, TV presenter and GIY patron; Duncan Stewart, environmentalist and presenter of Eco-Eye; Michael Kelly, founder of GIY and author of Tales from the Home Farm;Klaus Laitenberger, author ofVegetables for the Irish Garden; Paddy Gleeson, chief horticulturalist, Woodies DIY; and Fionnuala Fallon, Irish Times ‘Urban Farmer’ columnist.
In the afternoon, delegates will be able to chose from a series of talks/demos on topics including growing under cover, community assisted agriculture, yoga for GIYers, sausage-making, tools for GIYers and the OPW Walled Garden at the Phoenix Park.
The conference agenda includes World Cafe POD sessions where people can meet fellow GIYers from around Ireland, the presentation of the GIYer and GIY Group of the Year awards, the launch of the “Friend of GIY” Loyalty Card programme and a tour of the Guinness Storehouse.
Tickets are priced at €40 and include refreshments and a hot buffet lunch.
About GIY
GIY Ireland was founded in 2009 by author and journalist Michael Kelly. Sponsors include the Arthur Guinness Fund, Woodies DIY, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, Bord Bia and the AIB Better Ireland Programme. Patrons of GIY Ireland include Diarmuid Gavin, Darina Allen, Clodagh McKenna and Joy Larkcom.
Photo: Diarmuid Gavin was at Festina Lente Gardens in Bray with Anna and Luke Weldon from Kilmacanogue to announce details of the GIY Ireland 2010 Conference, which will take place on Saturday 18 September in the Guinness Storehouse. Photo: Johnny Bambury
