Neil Hamilton, MS for Mid & West Wales, and Leader of UKIP Wales is once again urging people to have a go at growing their own fruit and vegetables.
Mr Hamilton, a member of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs committee, and a keen gardener, is backing National Allotment Week which runs from August 10th – 16th.
He said: “I am a great supporter of encouraging people to grow their own fruit and vegetables and welcome the opportunity to highlight this very important week and endorse its sentiments.
“In March I raised the matter in the Senedd and urged us all to enjoy the benefit of seeing something grow and flourish whether it be in your allotment, outside in your garden, a window box or simply a pot on your windowsill.
“We import much from abroad that we could well grow ourselves and this is the perfect opportunity to do this.
“I have been growing fruit and vegetables for many years and a bit of digging is always therapeutic. Even if you do not have outside space you can still plant simple seeds; watching them grow is good for mental and spiritual health and well-being.
“Over the past few months people have been stuck at home for much longer than normal, and working on an allotment, or simply growing something at home, has been a productive way to help avoid some of the worst aspects of social isolation, and still is.”
The National Allotment Society’s theme for 2020 is Growing Food for Health and Well-being, a reflection of the many benefits of growing, cooking and eating your own fruit and vegetables.
NAS President Phil Gomersall said: “This year every week has been National Allotments Week, with more people than ever realising that growing your own food is a great way of eating healthily, getting some outdoor exercise in the fresh air and acquiring new skills. Plot-holders have also benefited from the contact with nature and the easy camaraderie on allotment sites, helping to retain their mental health and stay positive during these worrying times.”
National Allotments Week started in 2002 as a way of raising awareness of allotments and the role they play in helping people to live healthier lifestyles, grow their own food, develop friendships and bolster communities.
The campaign week is still thriving 18 years later and interest in growing your own fruit and vegetables has never been stronger since the WW2 Grow for Victory campaign.
