“Public concern for ‘food miles’, mounting food prices and a desire to get back to old fashioned flavour has generated a dramatic rise in people wanting to grow their own fruit and vegetables and with the recent caused flood events and associated food shortages, there’s never been a better time to get started,” said gardening ‘guru’, ABC commentator and co-founder of the new service, Phil Dudman.

“But as the movement grows, backyards in Australia are getting smaller leaving thousands of would-be revolutionaries yearning for a piece of dirt on which to grow. That’s where Landshare Australia comes in,” said Phil.

Landshare Australia is one of the Northern Rivers Food Links Sustainable Agriculture Projects, an initiative of the seven Northern Rivers Councils and Rous Water, aimed at securing a sustainable food future for the Northern Rivers region.

“Landshare Australia is providing a technology-based platform for matching landholders and growers, an important role in sustainable food production and food security in the region,” says Samantha Muller, Project Manager, Northern Rivers Food Links Project.

“There are many people in our communities already sharing backyards for growing food with great success.  We would like to see this opportunity extended across more areas of the region and potentially larger landholdings of underutilised land listed, allowing for greater levels food production and increased local food consumption in local households.”

The Landshare Australia website has just gone live and people can register and post their particular need for a space or offer land to share with interested gardeners.  The website will then provide a selection of matches, contact is then made, terms are agreed and then growing gets going.

“The usual arrangement is that the gardener provides the landowner with a share of their produce so everyone wins. It’s that easy,” says Phil.  Participants are needed on ‘both sides of the fence’ – people who have large backyard, hobby farm or rural property as well as those who want to get a vegie garden going or even just help in gardening projects.

“Landshare Australia is all inclusive. We are encouraging everyone to join us in the grow-your-own revolution; individuals, families, schools, church groups, businesses and commercial growers. With widespread community support and participation, we will be well on the way to securing our food future,” said Phil

People can register their interest now at the website www.landshareaustralia.com.au