Grow It Yourself

The global food system serves short-term economic interests at the expense of the planet and human health.​ It is responsible for 30% of global GHG emissions, 69% of biodiversity loss and 70% of water use.​ At the same time, 20% of all deaths are associated with poor diet while 2 billion people are malnourished.​ GIY (Grow it Yourself) is a social enterprise founded in Ireland in 2008. We envision a food system that nourishes people and planet, and our purpose is to build a world where everyone grows food. Approximately 1 million people took part in a GIY programme in 2021. ​ Food growing informs and empowers citizens to care more about their food and adopt a healthier and more sustainable diet: more plant-based, local, seasonal and zero waste.​ We call this food empathy.​ Our mission is to inspire, educate and enable a global movement of food growers, whose collective actions will help to rebuild a sustainable food system. ​Our goal is to make food growing urgent and accessible, bringing it to all parts of society and making it a compelling climate change solution. GIY aim to remove barriers to food growing, ensuring that everyone can access the materials, knowledge and skills they need to grow vegetables as a healthy and accessible food source.