EFCF Conference 2003
10-13 September 2003 - Sheffield
City Farms and Community Gardens for Social Change in Europe

The European Federation of City Farms (EFCF) was founded some 13 years ago to promote interaction between national city farming organisations and to create a cross-border network of people involved in city farming. In 2003 the UK hosted the EFCF Annual Conference, and the event, held at Heeley City Farm in Sheffield between 10 - 13 September, was a great opportunity for people to debate issues relevant to the UK’s movement in the 21st century, and to gain first hand experience by visiting projects.

Some sixty delegates from across Europe arrived in Sheffield on Wednesday 10 September and got to know each other at Heeley City Farm. Thursday saw site visits take place to FCFCG members Whirlow Hall Farm Trust in Sheffield, Meanwood Valley Urban Farm in Leeds and to Heeley City Farm itself. In the evening a civic reception was held at Sheffield Town Hall, where the Deputy Lord Mayor welcomed the delegates and talked about his own experiences at Mudchute City Farm on the Isle of Dogs.

On Friday, the European delegates were joined by a further 80 people from across the UK for the principal conference event, titled City Farms and Community Gardens For Social Change in Europe. FCFCG Director Jeremy Iles gave an introductory speech, after which 15 separate workshops took place, covering a range of issues such as social exclusion, working with refugees, ethnic diversity, how to build an ideal city farm and rare breed preservation, amongst other topics.

Home Secretary David Blunkett MP met delegates in the afternoon and addressed the conference, making it abundantly clear that the work of the city farm and community garden movement is recognised and valued by the Government. He spoke of his first hand knowledge of the groups in Sheffield, and was also interested in the benefits of allotments. Many delegates spent the Saturday visiting further community gardens and allotments in Sheffield, whilst other delegates chose to go on a wildlife walk in the Peaks with John Le Corney from Heeley City Farm.

Closing speeches were held on Sunday morning, after which everyone dispersed.