Soil Association Conference 2007

 

The conference takes place on 26 and 27 January at Cardiff International Arena. It will focus on the urgent need to develop new food and farming system models, in anticipation of the central role that farmers, growers, retailers and food manufacturers will play in delivering food security in an era of scarce and expensive energy.

The Soil Association's role, working with many others, is to anticipate and prepare for these changes, for the benefit of our farmers and growers, food networks and society. This conference is an opportunity to take both a big picture look at what the surprisingly near future will bring and to discuss strategies that will allow us to move confidently forward into a world post peak oil.

Programme highlights:

Key note speakers include: Colin Campbell, Jonathan Dimbleby, Zac Goldsmith, Richard Heinberg, Rob Hopkins, Kevin Morgan, Jeanette Orrey and Jonathon Porritt

Plus workshop sessions allowing interactive discussion across issues affecting the food and farming industry including supplying schools and hospitals, adapting in hills and remote regions, farm energy, food distribution, urban agriculture, and taking action in farming, small and large food businesses and communities.

A full arts and cultural programme will include an art exhibition, music and storytelling and the conference opens with an evening reception and organic clothes show, highlighting the huge surge of interest in the organic textiles sector over the past year. We are delighted to announce that Zac Goldsmith is to compere the Organic Clothes Show.

Who should attend:

Food manufacturers, distributors, caterers and retailers: No food business will be immune from the need to develop more energy efficient localised production and distribution systems. Find out how you can be prepared for the future.

Policy makers: As climate change and oil shortages bite, energy and food scarcity issues will rise up the political agenda. Learn how communities like Totnes and Kinsale are adapting to enforced and impending energy cuts.

Farmers and growers: Hear from those with practical experience of reducing energy use and developing new models of local production and distribution.

Special rates:

For the first time we are delighted to offer an Early Bird discount (£140 off the standard rate!) if booked before Friday 22 December 2006. Once again assisted rates are also available for producers and processors with a low business turnover.

How to book:

For a booking form, detailed programme and more information on rates go to www.soilassociation.org/conference. For all enquries please contact the events team on 0117 3145171.

See you in January!