In the picturesque fields of Perthshire, a centuries-old tradition is making a comeback, driven by a modern-day cause. Gleaning, an ancient practice of collecting leftover crops post-harvest, is now being revived in Scotland to address the contemporary issue of food waste and community hunger.
Volunteers in Blairgowrie are actively participating in Scotland’s inaugural official gleaning project, picking blueberries deemed economically unviable for harvest by farmers. These fruits, once considered surplus, are now being donated to local food banks, adding a nutritious touch to the offerings.
Lorraine Malone, a regular contributor to a Dundee community fridge, usually gathers goods from supermarkets for food banks. However, today she finds herself carefully plucking blueberries from laden branches, emphasizing the shared purpose of the effort. “It’s hugely different but at the same time it is for the same purpose,” she notes.
The coordinator of the Dundee project, Alex Daniels, highlights the historical roots of gleaning, stating that it has been practiced for thousands of years. In its modern form, gleaning aims not only to salvage food from waste but also to provide more nutritious options to communities in need.
Craig Day, a usual volunteer at a Dundee food bank, expresses the uniqueness of receiving produce straight from the bush. The picked fruits are destined to be distributed the next day to those facing genuine food needs in the community.
The generosity of farmers like Peter Thomson plays a pivotal role in this gleaning initiative. Thomson, who oversees 60 acres of blueberry bushes, allows groups to harvest the fruit because it is not economically viable for him to do so. Unable to sell to supermarkets due to high costs, he believes that redirecting the blueberries to local charities is a better alternative than letting them go to waste.
Scottish blueberries, once commanding a high price for their unique harvesting time, have faced challenges with new varieties being grown in other countries. The economic impracticality of traditional harvesting methods has prompted the involvement of local charities and volunteers.
Looking ahead, Alex Daniels envisions expanding the Gleaning Project to include other crops like potatoes and broccoli, further combating food waste and contributing to community well-being.
Gleaning – Picking leftover crops for the food bank – BBC News