Agenda item

This report asks Members to agree a remit, scope and timetable for the “Edible York: Creating Food Growing Space Across the City” Scrutiny Review.

Members received a report that asked them to agree a remit, scope and timetable for the Edible York: “Creating Food Growing Space across the City” Scrutiny Review.

Consideration was given to the Scrutiny Topic Registration Forms that had been submitted by Councillor D’Agorne.

The Head of Parks and Open Spaces outlined some of the initiatives that were already in place in the city, including:

§         British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV)

§         Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

§         The Gateway project in Acomb

§         York Multicultural 

The representative from Edible York gave details of the work that the group was carrying out.

The Allotments Officer updated Members on some of the initiatives that were taking place in schools to promote food growing

Members noted the work that was taking place in Todmorden under the Incredible Edible Todmorden initiative. 

The Chair had provided information on Grow Zones prior to the meeting and this had been emailed to Members.

The following comments were made:

• Members agreed that, although there were a number of local organisations who were involved in growing food, a key issue was the need for there to be a co-ordinated approach in terms of raising public awareness of the opportunities that were available.  This should include a database of organisations and resources.
• It was noted that the voluntary sector were likely to play an increasingly important role in communities under the “Big Society” initiative but that there were uncertainties regarding funding.
• Members suggested that the council had a role to play in providing information to encourage and facilitate more food growing in the city and that information should be made available on the council’s website. 
• It would be helpful if food-growing sites were mapped.
• It was important that the council’s processes were not a barrier to those wishing to participate in food growing.  Officers stated that they had received a copy of the document that was used in Todmorden in respect of the licensing of council land for food growing initiatives.
• The representative from Edible York suggested that articles should be included in ward newsletters to promote food-growing initiatives.
• Encouraging children and young people to become involved would be a key factor in increasing food-growing activities and sustaining initiatives in the long term.  
• Members agreed that, although concerns had been raised regarding allotment provision, it would not be appropriate to look at these issues as part of the current review.

Aim of the Review

Consideration was given to the aim of the review.  It was agreed that the aim should be “To improve how City of York Council supports community food growing”.

Remit of Review

Members considered the remit of the review.  The following remit was agreed:

1.         To develop an information page on City of York Council’s website which provides information and links to organisations involved in food growing initiatives.

2.         To identify the barriers to communication between City of York Council and voluntary organisations.

3.         To identify potential areas of land in the city suitable for food growing.

4.         To consider how best to enable and encourage individuals and groups to grow food.

5.         To encourage schools to participate in local food growing initiatives.

Timescale

Members gave consideration to the timescale for carrying out the review.  It was agreed that the review should be completed by the end of the municipal year.  In order for this to be achieved it was agreed to hold several informal meetings but to which the public would be welcome to attend. 

The following initial timescale was agreed:

The final report would be considered by the Executive at their meeting on 12 April 2011¹.

RESOLVED:            (i)            That the objective and remit of the review be as agreed.

                        (ii)            That the timetable for the review be as agreed.

REASON:            To progress the review.