Grow Jersey has announced a new initiative aimed at enhancing local food production and fostering community engagement.
Its smallholding project is dedicated to growing fresh fruit and vegetables for its supporting community. It also delivers school and community access to nature, and it farms regeneratively to support biodiversity.
It is now seeking support from local businesses to sponsor one of its ten lanes of fruit and nut trees.
The first lane has already been sponsored by professional services firm Ogier. The co-founder and designer of Grow Jersey, Sheena Brockie, said that Ogier had already shown incredible support by not only providing the financial commitment but also by organising many groups to come and volunteer time at Grow, donning their gardening gloves to build raised beds for use by local schools and to give some loving care to their sponsored row of trees.
Sheena continued: ‘Their dedication and involvement are greatly appreciated and serve as a fantastic example of how businesses can contribute to community well-being.
We believe that local businesses play a crucial role in supporting community initiatives. By sponsoring a lane, businesses can directly contribute to the well-being of our community and help us achieve our goal of providing fresh, locally grown produce alongside opportunities for access to nature.’
Gill Knights, Head of Sustainability at Ogier, said: ‘We’re delighted to be the first organisation to support Grow’s innovative initiative, dedicated to growing food with, and for, the community. Their passion for regenerative farming to support biodiversity, enhance environmental literacy, and connect Islanders with nature aligns with our firm’s commitment to environmental and social well-being. Along with our enthusiastic volunteers, we look forward to seeing this project flourish and create a lasting impact in Jersey’s community.’
Sponsoring a lane involves a financial commitment of £2,000, along with volunteer opportunities for staff to maintain the trees lanes with watering, weeding and mulching and to help with the wider project tasks. This support will not only contribute to the financial sustainability of our project but also provide businesses with an opportunity to give back to the community and promote environmental stewardship
In return for their support, sponsoring businesses will receive recognition through various channels, including social media shout-outs, signage on their sponsored lane, and mentions in Grow’s community newsletter. This partnership will also offer businesses a chance to engage with the community through volunteer opportunities and events.
Local businesses are invited to join GROW in this exciting venture and to help them make a positive impact on the community.
Sheena added: ‘Together, we can grow a healthier, more sustainable future for our community.’
For more information on how to become a sponsor, please contact Sheena at sheena.brockie@gmail.com or 07797 762474, or through the project’s Facebook page @GrowJersey.
