Future of allotment gardens

Subject: The future of the allotment gardens

Conclusions work group:

1. Attention should be paid to the fact that on one hand the land on which there are allotment gardens will be maintained and on the other hand that new land will be used to set up more allotment gardens.
2. We allotment gardeners should be a role-model for future generations of allotment gardeners.
   

   Three main points should be underlined:

   • We have to transfer our values to future generations to maintain the community.
   • We have to show new allotment gardeners how to grow vegetables and flowers in their own allotment gardens.
   • We have to work hand in hand with educational institutions to introduce the youngest members of our society to the pleasure of working in nature.

3. We have to pay attention that our movement remains attractive for young people in the future.

4. We can achieve this, for instance, through active PR work. Public Relations are of course also a means to convince the public, as well as the politicians, of our ideas.

5. We all agreed that the diversity of garden designs should be maintained.
   Eventually everyone – of course respecting the community – should be able to use his garden as he wishes. It is irrelevant, whether the focus is on growing vegetables, flowers or any other purpose.
   Moreover, the economic situation as well as health and environmental considerations will determine what will grow in the allotment garden.

6. The last point is that it is absolutely necessary to convince young people to take mandates in our associations and federations. They have to receive proper training so they are ready to carry out these functions. Only if future generations are ready to take responsibility, allotment gardens will have a future.