Growing Food to Feel Better, Eat Better and Save The Planet
From the humble backyard vegetable patch to herb gardens on the kitchen windowsill – 9 million Australians are now growing their own food, according to new research from The Australia Institute, in partnership with Grow It Local.
More than two thirds (69%) of those who grow their own food say they do it to access healthy food, while 60% do it to save money.
Growing your own helps cut down waste during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, with almost two thirds of growers composting or worm farming, preventing mountains of food waste from ending up in landfill.
Costa launched the Grow Your Own 2024 report – Growing food to feel better, eat better and help the planet alongside the ‘Palia-mintary Garden’ at Australian Parliament House in Canberra. The garden features four mint varieties – native Australian mint, spearmint Vietnamese mint and chocolate mint.
The groundbreaking new research found:
- 45% of Australians now grow their own food.
- The most common reasons for growing food are to access healthy food (69%) and to save money (60%).
- Of those who do grow their own food, 84% grow vegetables and 55% grow fruit trees/herbs.
- 67% of growers also compost food waste or have their own worm farm. That saves 361,000 tonnes – the equivalent of seven Sydney Harbour Bridges – from going into landfill.
Of those who don’t grow their own food, around two-thirds say they’d like to, but don’t have the space or knowledge to do so.
Victorians (48%) lead the nation when it comes to growing their own food, followed by Queensland (43%), WA (41%) and NSW (38%).
The health benefits are not just physical. More than two thirds of people who grown their own food say it makes them happier and more relaxed.
Nearly half (49%) of growers say they eat more fresh produce as a result of growing their own food.
“One of the best things you can do for your health and for the health of the planet is to grow your own food,” said Costa
“Getting active in the garden is great for both mental and physical wellbeing, and homegrown, pesticide-free fruit and veggies are tastier, boost your health and trim your budget.
“Don’t underestimate the power of growing small amounts of food in large numbers,” said Costa Georgiadis, National Patron of Grow It Local.
“It connects us to nature, to our communities and to ourselves.”
“Growing food is equal doses of nature, nutrition and mental wellbeing. It’s good for the body, mind and soul.”
“Growing your own food is a great way to access fresh produce and promote health, relaxation and happiness,” said Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director of The Australia Institute.
“We’ve found that people who start growing food develop a greater appreciation for food and waste less,” said Paul West, Grow It Local Co-Founder.
Access the full Grow Your Own report here:
Media Enquiries: Darryl Nichols (darryl@growitlocal.com | 0422-665-088)
