History

At the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century allotment gardens, based on social and human requirements, were created in Europe. They aimed to provide people with extra food and keeping families unified. Additionally, they gave people the chance to relax both physically and mentally after a monotonous day at work.

Soon allotment gardeners started to unify on a national level. Contacts were made between these national federations and in 1903 they started to meet regularly at national allotment garden congresses. Very quickly the need was felt to create an international structure. On October 3rd, 1926 under the direction of Abbé LEMIRE (F) the “Office International des Jardins Ouvriers” was founded in Luxembourg. Since then the general secretariat of the organisation has been in Luxembourg.

The founding members of the Office were the national organizations from Austria, Belgium, England, France, Germany, Luxemburg and Switzerland. The movement quickly developed. In 1931 the federations of Finland, the Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, Sweden and Czechoslovakia had become members.

Due to its great social character governments quickly became aware of the movement’s activities. On January 25^th, 1931 the representatives of the Office, under the leadership of president Joseph GOEMARE (B), established contacts with the International Labour Organisation in Geneva.

In the years of crisis from 1930-1934, as well as during the Second World War, allotment gardens remained pure kitchen gardens. During WWII the Office as well as many national movements suspended their activities.

On September 20th, 1947, at the initiative of the Luxemburgish and French federations, the Office International restarted its activities. Its aims were adapted to the new needs.

The judicial protection of allotment gardens remained a main priority. To the topics of food security and family unity were added the rehabilitation of the sites and their adaptation to the environment. Following the drastic reduction of the working week, the idea of a meaningful leisure time occupation became more important.