Event Date : February 9, 2011
A public debate on how food and farming can provide a mechanism for combating some of the major challenges that are confronting us, including climate change, health inequalities, building social cohesion and re-shaping the economy.
Food and farming is responsible for nearly a third of our individual carbon footprint, and the nature of our farm systems plays a crucial role in determining food choices at global, community and individual level, yet the policies that shape them do not take this connection into account. This is why we live with the global contradictions of glut and malnourishment with access to healthy food determined on a neighbourhood basis, with some communities living in virtual ‘food deserts’ and others enjoying a wide range of food choices.
With a growing population, constraints on resources, climate change and the economy in critical condition, we must address these issues urgently. We need to rediscover the vital role that food can play in making us healthier and more connected to our communities, reducing our carbon footprint and supporting local and national economies.
Confirmed speakers include Caroline Spelman, the new Secretary of State for the Environment, Tim Lang, Joanna Blythman and Andrew Simms, policy director for the new economics foundation. Further programme details will be available here shortly.
For more information, see the soil association website.
