Talamh Beo has launched an online service for people across the country to share land and work opportunities linked to agroecology and food sovereignty. 

The 'Land and Hands' noticeboard was devised as a user-friendly, digital platform aimed at landowners who want to make their land available for initiatives such as local food production or biodiversity restoration.

It is also aimed at helping farmers who are seeking landworkers or interns.

The noticeboard also welcomes job or training opportunities from other organisations whose goals are aligned with sustainable agricultural practices, such as non-governmental organisations, community groups, or local businesses.

Fergal Anderson, a founding member of Talamh Beo, explained: “We are often contacted in Talamh Beo by people who want to see their land used to feed local people, to enhance biodiversity or to build community.

“'Land and Hands' is a first step, bringing people together to share opportunities for agroecology, biodiversity and local food systems; building land, people and community across the island of Ireland."

Fergal highlighted a growing movement in Ireland for more socially, economically and environmentally sustainable food systems and land management cultures, "as well as a new generation interested in working in local food production and building land-based livelihoods."

Digital platform

'Land and Hands' offers a digital platform for exchanging opportunities and building and strengthening this growing network for change.

“In many European countries, there are more developed mechanisms enabling access to land and facilitating land agreements and links between landowners and new entrants," Fergal said.

Daniel Connor, Talamh Beo member and moderator of the new noticeboard, said: "Through connecting people via land and labour opportunities, the platform will facilitate movement and community building, knowledge sharing and - perhaps most importantly - the creation of strong, lasting relationships for local food systems and the agroecological transition."

"Talamh Beo looks forward to building links with other groups and organisations across Ireland that can also contribute to using and developing the space and growing our movement together," he said.