Project Overview
The Dumfries and Galloway Sustainable Food Partnership project is a community-driven initiative to strengthen the resilience of Dumfries and Galloway’s food system. Led by Propagate (Scotland) CIC, the project is focused on sustainable food production, local supply chains, community engagement, and nature-friendly farming practices. The D&G Sustainable Food Partnership brings together farmers, local businesses, public sector professionals, and community groups to build a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable food system that can withstand climate-related disruptions.
Why was this project needed?
Climate change and extreme weather events are increasing the risk of natural hazards, threatening food security and community resilience. Dumfries and Galloway’s food system, while rich in agricultural potential, is vulnerable to flooding, supply chain disruptions, and climate variability. This project looked to respond to these challenges by further developing the D&G Sustainable Food Partnership and enhancing local food production, supporting sustainable farming, and strengthening local supply chains to reduce dependency on external markets. It also aimed to improve community awareness and preparedness for food system shocks.
What happened during the project?
Key work undertaken during the project includes:
- established a working group within the Sustainable Food Partnership to support the delivery of this project. Partners included D&G College, D&G Community Food Network, D&G Climate Hub, D&G Council, and NHS D&G.
- Conducting community workshops, Local Food Gatherings, and educational programmes to increase awareness of sustainable food systems.
- Engaged with local Place Planning processes to raise awareness of food system risks
- Strengthening local food networks like the Galloway Food Hub, which now supports 35 local producers and reaches over 100 customers per order cycle.
- Organising farm walks and events to demonstrate nature-friendly farming methods and encourage local food production.
- Engaging with public sector professionals to explore resilient food procurement strategies and enhance local food sourcing.
Outcomes
The project successfully delivered:
- Over 8 community workshops and Local Food Gatherings to engage local people in food system resilience.
- Five knowledge-sharing events for farmers, enhancing understanding of sustainable and nature-friendly farming.
- An expanded Galloway Food Hub, now a Community Interest Company (CIC), is strengthening local food distribution.
- Business breakfast events hosted in partnership with South of Scotland Destination Alliance to discuss needs, barriers and opportunities for increasing resilience to food systems shocks.
- D&G Community Food Network has grown as a result of this project, meaning that more people are connected through grassroots movements that support community resilience. More farmers are connected through the Regenerative Farming Network, which now has over 280 members. And more citizens are connected through signing the charter for the Good Food Movement, which now has over 450 signatories.
- Public sector collaboration, resulting in greater awareness of sustainable food procurement practices.
Key takeaways from the project:
- Local supply chains are crucial for food security during climate disruptions.
- Community engagement and education are vital for sustainable food system transformation.
- Nature-friendly farming methods enhance resilience against environmental hazards
- Public procurement policies need to prioritise local and sustainable food sources.
Next Steps
- The project team are now part of a UKRI-funded 4-year Place-Based Public Food Procurement project, so over the coming years, they expect to be able to implement real change.
- A Regional Food Growth Plan is being created in collaboration with partners.
- Sustainability modules are being incorporated within college and school settings locally.
- Collaborating with regional partners to map the local food and drink landscape, supporting resilient local economies.
Through these steps, the Dumfries and Galloway Sustainable Food Partnership is working to solidify the region’s capacity to withstand climate-related food system disruptions while fostering community-led resilience initiatives.
You can download the Local Food Gatherings 2024 report here.
