Grow It Yourself Ireland (better known as GIY) is a non-profit social enterprise based in Ireland whose mission: "...is to educate and enable a global movement of food growers whose collective actions will help to rebuild a sustainable food system."[1][2]
GIY was founded by journalist and author Michael Kelly[3] in 2008.
Early in 2009, Kelly with the aid of some of his fellow growers in the Waterford area, decided to set up GIY Ireland, with the aim of opening a GIY group in every town in Ireland.[4] There are now over 80 active local GIY groups in Ireland, and five groups based in Australia.[5]
Activities
GIY is guided by five principles, referred to as 'Our GIY Goals' which are: eat more plants, end food waste, support small producers, stop food pollution, and connect with nature.[1]
GIY engages in various activities, these include running campaigns, such as the 'Get Ireland Growing' campaign, which aims "to sow the seed of community food growing."[6] GIY also runs various programmes, involving working with schools and attempting to reduce food waste.[7] GIY also engages in philanthropy[8] and also works with business' and corporations, via the GROWCircle Corporate Engagement Programme.[9]
GIY also facilitates and supports various local growing groups, called GIY Groups, as a part of their community action.[10]
