What are the structures, communication strategies, relationships, resources, and supports required to build a cooperative of independent growers that is sustainable, effective, and nourishing for those involved? These are the big questions which the Perthshire-based community growing project, the Taybank Grower’s Cooperative, is grappling with as they transition towards a more distributed cooperative model. This project seeks to pilot and research the growth of an intentional ‘mycorrhizal network’ for their members.

Drawing on learning from the symbiotic relationships between mycorrhizal networks and plants, this research project will work to illuminate the informal and invisible ways “mycorrhizal” symbiotic support is already happening within the cooperative and community. It will also explore how we can build these networks with increased intention, resources, and creativity through an appreciative inquiry approach.

The group believe this research will generate essential knowledge for their community and the food movement more widely whilst also building capacity within the cooperative.

The cooperative said, “We’re delighted to be recipients of the RSE’s Healthy Planet, Healthy People awards supported by the Williamson Trust, and are excited to get started on this project. The growing season is already in full swing at Taybank Growers Cooperative, and we know there’s a lot of hard work ahead. This funding will provide us with additional resources to maintain meaningful conversations and space for learning throughout the season about supporting each other and nurturing our capacity as growers and as a cooperative to get good food to our community and keep ourselves well through the season.”