Gary Mitchell Senior Manager for Social Farms & Gardens

Gary’s close relationship with food came as part of his work with one of the UK’s oldest CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Sites. He co-founded Cultivate and Open Newtown, which hold one of the largest ever community land transfers (from LA and WG). 

Gary is a senior Manager for Social Farms & Gardens. The UK wide charity supports communities to access land to grow food in a range of diverse settings, delivering social, economic and environmental outcomes). 

His work within SF&G sees him delivering on the ground activity as well as performing an advocacy role for the community sector. He sits on several Welsh Government task forces & committees: 

• Pollination
• Controlled Environment Agriculture
• Foundational Economy & Climate Change)

Gary continues to work on policy development through positions within ‘Food Policy Alliance Cymru’ and the ‘Urban Agriculture Consortium’

Gary is very active across the third sector, holding a number of trustee roles, for the likes of PAVO (Wales’ largest volunteer support organisation). In his voluntary role as a cave rescuer, he has been honoured with a knighthood and medals from the Queen and subsequently the King. He is Assistant Chair of the British Cave Rescue Council and a Regional Chair for Mountain Rescue England & Wales.