The Scottish Government wants your opinions on allotment legislation.
Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, today launched a consultation aimed at simplifying the rules and, if necessary, amending them to meet today's community needs.
Mr Lochhead did not exactly appear before the Press with a horse's head nailed to his desk, but he was certainly keen to link 'getting back to nature' with 'traceability':
'Allotments provide a range of benefits including better health, an opportunity to learn new skills, and an understanding of where food comes from – not forgetting the chance to eat the fruits of your labour.'
The consultation – which is available here – includes the following questions about whether local authorities should have to:
- provide individuals in their area with an allotment within a specified timeframe
- provide a specific number of allotments in their area per head of population
- develop and publish a strategic plan relating to land use for food growing purposes.
The consultation will close on Friday 24 May.
In 2009, the Government's National Food and Drink policy committed it to supporting allotments. Updating allotment legislation was a manifesto commitment in 2011, and in summer 2012 work began on proposed content of a Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill.
The consultation launched today asks more specifically about how current legislation could be revised.
City of Edinburgh Council, it seems to the Spurtle, is already well aware of public demand to grow its own, and is seeking ways to respond: Breaking news (23.7.10); Issue 216.
Tell us what you think – email: spurtle@hotmail.co.uk Twitter: @theSpurtle Facebook: Broughton Spurtle
[Parsnip image: fireflies604, Creative Commons]