Gorgie City Farm has been a popular community attraction in Edinburgh for nearly 40 years. It works with more 100 volunteers every week, through training, work experience, social opportunities and personal support. The majority of volunteers are people with support needs, and there are waiting lists to join. The farm also supports young teenagers from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with support and practical education they would not find elsewhere.
Sadly, despite various cost-cutting measures, the farm has now fallen victim to rising costs and a drastic cut in external funding. Sustain member the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens is appealing on behalf of the farm, which now needs to raise £100,000 if it is to stay open.
The farm has the backing of local councillors (and has been given a three-year grant from the council). George Elles, Chair of Gorgie City Farm, said: If every family who visited Gorgie City Farm in the past two years gave just £1, the farm would be saved.'
For details of how to donate, go to the FCFCG website. Read more about Sustain's farming policies here.
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
