Educational centres to open nationally, promoting vegan techniques for organic food growing

The Vegan-Organic Network is setting up educational centres across the UK to demonstrate to growers, farmers and the general public the benefits and methods of stockfree’ organic cultivation.

Clean, green and cruelty-free’ are the bywords of growers around the world who are using this approach, also known as vegan organics. It excludes artificial chemicals, genetically modified material, animal products and livestock manures. Instead, soil fertility is maintained with the use of plant-based green manures, mulching, composting and crop rotation.
Many stockfree growers are members of the Vegan-Organic Network. Founded in 1996 as a voluntary group, it has been registered as an educational charity for a decade. Its work is based on sound ecological principles, compassion and social justice.

‘A number of growers have already expressed interest in the plans for the educational centres,’ says trustee Peter White. At the venues, individual farms and holdings will arrange displays that offer information on techniques, as well as organising open days’ and holding events. There are also plans to employ a development worker to co-ordinate the network of centres, which represents a big step forward for the charity.

Around 70 per cent of UK land is used for grazing or to grow animal fodder. The charity believe this could be used more efficiently by growing plant foods. They also point out that developed nations import large quantities of animal feed from countries where people are going hungry. Stockfree organics, on the other hand, would supply locally grown food.

The charity also advocates that without farmed animals, a vibrant tapestry of new habitats would emerge, including species-rich woodlands and coppice plantations for biofuels and timber. Removing the reliance on chemical and animal-based farming could, they say, play a huge part in steering the planet towards a green and abundant future. With five growers already proud holders of the Stockfree Organic Certification symbol, the availability of what is being termed organic plus’ food, is taking off.

For people interested in sustainable horticulture, the Vegan-Organic Network offers bursaries to help with the costs of a foundation degree course at Glyndwr University, North Wales. There are also work experience opportunities on vegan farms worldwide.

Recently, the charity was awarded by the Vegan Society for Best Vegan Project or Campaign. This also coincided with the launch of the second edition of Growing Green: Organic Techniques for a Sustainable Future by Jenny Hall and Iain Tolhurst, a well-respected handbook for organic growers everywhere.

Home growers, commercial growers and anyone interested in animal rights and the environment are welcome to become supporters and share the vision.

Contact: Vegan-Organic Network,
80 Annable Road, Lower Bredbury,
Stockport, SK6 2DF
Tel: 0845 223 5232 (UK only)
Website: www.veganorganic.net

Solar-powered tractor,
at Huguenot Street Farm,
in New York State
Photo: © www.flyingbeet.com