Former members of the UK Armed Forces could be mobilized to support a nationwide community gardening initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s food security in the event of conflict with Russia or other national emergencies. The Defence Gardens Scheme (DGS), an organization dedicated to retraining veterans as community gardeners and vegetable growers, has urged the government to expand its reach to enhance national resilience.

In a submission to a parliamentary inquiry examining the UK’s preparedness for emergencies, DGS proposed reviving the spirit of the Second World War’s Dig for Victory campaign, which transformed 1.4 million allotments along with many private and public green spaces into productive farmland. The wartime program contributed significantly to Britain’s food supply by encouraging the cultivation of vegetables, cereals, and fruits.

Sally Coulthard, chief executive of DGS, emphasized that veterans possess valuable skills gained through service, including leadership, logistics, and planning, which could be harnessed to increase food production locally. “If there was a scenario where the country faced food shortages and needed people to come forward, DGS would be ready to help expand community food growing,” she said.

The call aligns with recommendations from two government strategy documents: the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) published in June 2025, and the Veterans Strategy released in the same year. The SDR advocates for a whole-of-society approach to national resilience and encourages wider participation across communities, while the Veterans Strategy recognizes former service personnel as national assets with skills that benefit security and economic stability.

Currently, the UK imports approximately 46 percent of its food, a dependency that has raised concerns amid potential threats such as power outages, cyber attacks, climate-related disruptions, and increasing tensions between NATO and Russia. The conflict in Ukraine has already shown how quickly global grain supplies can be destabilized, underscoring the urgency of bolstering domestic food production.

DGS has already implemented “Grow Your Own” programs nationwide and believes that with a funding boost of around £700,000, it could significantly scale up its Growing Champions initiative. This program would train veterans to lead community gardening efforts, helping to sow seeds, tend crops, and harvest produce for local distribution in times of crisis.

Beyond food security, Coulthard noted that community growing schemes also contribute to mental health and social cohesion. They provide individuals with meaningful activities that reduce isolation and build resilience, fostering a sense of solidarity reminiscent of wartime community spirit.

Established in 2019, DGS has delivered training courses at locations such as the Eden Project in Cornwall for five years. In its submission to the inquiry, the group highlighted how the original Dig for Victory campaign not only addressed food shortages but also helped civilians cope with psychological strain through connection to the land and purposeful outdoor engagement.

The Cabinet Office, responsible for overseeing national resilience efforts, was approached for comment but had not responded at the time of publication.