The ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign was set up during WWII by the British Ministry of Agriculture. Men and women across the country were encouraged to grow their own food in times of harsh rationing. Open spaces everywhere were transformed into allotments, from domestic gardens to public parks – even the lawns outside the Tower of London were turned into vegetable patches.
Today, covid-19 disrupts food logistics in Ireland, Spain, Italy, France and UK as reported here.
The answer could be the idea that gave rise to the "dig for victory" mobilisation : all citizens, who can help out, could contribute helping the farmers to keep the food supply chains intact. This could be an excellent way to support Society at these extraordinary moments; and it is feasible as shown here.
The gains are going to be at many levels and for millions of people: such a scheme at a national level will create jobs, will ensure that food production is continued and the food supplies will remain as steady as possible. But above all, it will show that we can stand together in this crisis.
One important detail: The German government has launched a website called The Land Helps to link farmers with volunteers willing to help out with bringing in everything from hops to potatoes. The national governments need to act urgently and initiate such initiatives.
We can dig together for Victory!
Yannis Zabetakis
