Trevor Sargent watching them grow: During a visit to Cushinstown N.S. in Wexford to promote his ‘Incredible Edibles’ programme.

Children Rewarded for Seedy Behaviour

June 26, 2009

The green shoots of Ireland’s farming future gathered today for the final of Agri Aware’s Incredible Edibles growing challenge. Ten schools relayed the highlights of their farming quest with poetry, drama and a host of other activities including a mini-election.

Growing diaries (scrapbooks) of all shapes and sizes documented the nutritional and horticultural knowledge gained by primary school children all over Ireland. Over 200 children received the fruits of their labour when Trevor Sargent T.D., Minister for Food and Horticulture presented the ten finalists with €10,000 in educational funds.

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Minister of State, Trevor Sargent (centre) visits Vancouver’s Compost Garden. City Farmer’s Lauren Welch and Michael Levenston welcome him.

Why I grow my own food

by Trevor Sargent
From his blog, February 1, 2009

I’m lucky to have a front and back garden that’s big enough to grow some food but not too big to manage. Before I cook a meal I always see what I can add to the meal fresh from the garden. Growing food to me is richly satisfying – a healthful pursuit for mind, body and spirit.

George Bernard Swaw, even though he earned his money writing plays, stated “gardening is the only unquestionably useful job”. The same can be said for farming. Indeed, food production is not just useful, it is essential.

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