Eighty seven persons have registered for the backyard garden competition organised by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. 

Registration ended on May 1 and the competition will run until World Food Day in October.

Guided by the theme, “Feed Yourself, Feed your Community”, the competition seeks to encourage widespread backyard gardening across the Territory for healthier families and greater household and community food security.

Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley said, "I am delighted to see the level of interest in backyard gardening across the Territory. The Government will continue in its efforts for greater food security for the entire Territory. However where possible, individuals should strive to make their homes and communities more food secure. Backyard gardening is an excellent way to do this."

Prizes will be awarded in categories including best backyard garden (in the ground), best container garden, best youth garden and best garden photo. 

Back yard gardeners are encouraged to share photos from their garden on Facebook and other social media platforms using the hashtag #VIGardentoPlate in solidarity of the Territory’s efforts to increase food production.

Home gardens are a healthy and nutritious source of food and if planned well can reduce a household’s food bill.

To view the journey of participants registered, visit the department Facebook page @GOVIDOAF.

Attached:

• Photo by Levansky Favila de Venecia (competitor in backyard garden competition)