grow together Öråker

Through the project, I have gained many new experiences, insights, and contacts. The collaboration with Karin, Ebba, and all the people connected to the project through them has shown me new paths to take and a greater understanding of people's different circumstances. I have often been amazed at how much has been done on the site and all that is possible with good collaborations. I have experienced a willingness and a striving to change and find new ways forward on the site. – Johanna, initiator

The idea behind the project Grow Together Öråker arose from the landowner's desire to grow more vegetables on the farm, in a non-toxic way according to permaculture principles. The hope was that it would attract more people to the farm and make it more vibrant. A competent and driven group of people from Öråkers farm, the association Grow Together, the company Bioinspira, the cultural association of the Barn, and a couple of knowledgeable growers came together to realize the project.

The purpose of the project was to build a food park and a forest garden, partly to be able to grow vegetables in a small-scale way according to permaculture principles, and partly to spread knowledge about permaculture and sustainable cultivation to the public. This was done by regularly inviting to open workdays, where anyone could come and participate and learn about gardening work. A total of 70 people from different ages and backgrounds, who might never have met otherwise, participated in the project. In addition, the project has sparked interest in the academic world and shared its knowledge with several studies.

The project and the growers continue today through four growing groups that cultivate around the Barn. They have continued with open workdays, courses, and other activities that keep knowledge dissemination and cultivation alive. Grow Together Öråker is an initiative that will continue to contribute to environmental benefits. Just as the quote above testifies, there is an incredible power when people come together and collaborate. The fact that the cultivations continue to grow and the knowledge continues to spread are also typical examples of long-term effects for social and environmental sustainability in the area – exactly what Leader is about!

”I have often been amazed at how much has been done on the site and all that is possible with good collaborations”