City food growing efforts to expand

An updated strategy aimed at expanding food growing opportunities across Dundee while supporting local communities will be put to Councillors.

The proposed Local Food Growing Strategy 2026-2030 sets out a vision to build on the city's extensive network of allotments and community growing spaces, helping more people access opportunities to grow their own food while improving health and wellbeing, biodiversity and climate resilience.

The strategy also highlights the significant progress made since 2020, which includes the creation of six additional hectares of community growing space, the establishment of a community gardens network, the investment of just under £400,000 for community food growing projects, and the development of the Camperdown Growing Hub.

Climate, Net Zero and Environment Committee Convener Cllr Lynne Short said: “Dundee has developed a thriving food-growing network over recent years, and this strategy sets out how we can build on that success.

“The strategy taps into the enthusiasm that exists in the city and outlines the action to be taken to support existing projects, create new growing opportunities and develop additional allotment site to meet the high demand.”

Depute Convener Cllr Lee Mills added: “The city has a strong tradition of green fingers from allotments and community gardens to the now well-established Camperdown Growing Hub, local food growth helps tackle food insecurity, provide a balanced diet that brings positive health and wellbeing, strengthen communities and contribute to climate targets.”

The report outlines the high demand through the waiting list for Council-owned and leased allotment sites in the city and proposes the development of an additional site during the period of the strategy. It also includes actions to support community growing and strengthen partnerships.

The Local Food Growing Strategy 2026-2030 will be considered by the Council's Climate, Net Zero and Environment Committee on Monday 24th August.