Three Permaculture Starter Pack (PSP) options, PSP1, PSP2 and PSP3, offer various levels of support dependent on the sponsor's budget and requirements. These include the delivery of a range of garden tools, seeds, seedlings and trees, compost and mulch, educational materials, information, on site pre-assessment, implementation workshops and post implementation assessment, analysis and reports on the result of the applications of these PSPs so that potential for further funding and development can be evaluated.

PSP1 (R17 500) is the base package and includes the delivery of tools, seed and seedlings, compost, educational materials, a disposable camera to record the project's progress, on site pre-assessment, an introductory workshop with garden design, a further day workshop and a follow up post assessment and report. This package will offer the basic tools and resources that will allow motivated communities to develop a functional food garden.

PSP2 (R35 000) offers a more comprehensive package including increased numbers of tools, planting materials, composting materials, indigenous and fruit trees, on site pre-assessment, a one-day workshop where garden layout and design as well as practical assistance will be offered, another two full day permaculture gardening workshops, as well as a follow up post assessment and report.

PSP3 (R55 000) is the most comprehensive of these PSP packages. This programme offers on site pre-assessment, four one-day, or two two-day workshops, a follow-up guidance and post assessment, mulching materials and increased quantities of trees, planting materials and report.

Overall this process assists in the creation of more sustainable projects, ensuring nutritive, and consequently health, benefits to the peoples involved. The members are encouraged to continue with their gardening practices and to apply for further funding for higher PSP levels or for full three year funding support, which is optimal for motivated food production projects to achieve sustainability, should these initial stages prove successful.

The overall objective is to provide introductory information and training on how to develop sustainable natural/organic food gardens, and improve nutrition to contribute to enhanced food security and health. It aims to:

· provide support to start-up and struggling food gardening and greening projects;

· provide projects with garden tools, gardening and plant materials;

· provide educational materials and introductory training in basic permaculture practices;

· facilitate the project to report back on how they have used their PSP;

· provide an evaluation basis and report for funders to consider further support;

· promote food security, greener environments, greater awareness and sustainable land and natural

· resource use and management practices.

Contact info@trees.org.za This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to find out how you can support a PSP for one of the many applicants on file!