Forth Valley Food Links

Following an initial local food gathering at Dunbar in October 2009, a temporary steering group has been set up to take forward the idea of a national network linking people and organisations with an interest in sustainable food.   The aim is to build a network that can help share good practice, speak to government, and make real a vision of a robust, localised food infrastructure for Scotland. 

Mike Small of the Fife Diet Project said, "The network is open to all who are actively growing, selling and eating locally produced food in Scotland - be they farmers, gardeners, community groups, local markets, chefs, artisan pie-makers or just keen eaters of good local food.

The network  will be a source of knowledge and encouragement for members but additionally will have the capacity through consulting and engaging its members to contribute to and inform food policy as this is being developed at local and national level in Scotland.

On the Friday, there will be an informal programme of visits and discussions in the afternoon, followed by a meal in the evening.  On Saturday 27th, discussions will focus on how to strengthen our local food culture in Scotland and how to organise the network effectively. 

Nourish is interested in all aspects of sustainable food production, distribution and consumption in Scotland, and the workshop topics include:

• Skills and jobs – who will grow, cook and sell our local food?
• Connecting consumers and producers – sourcing, labelling, distribution, co-operation
• Social justice – how does local food address inequality and food poverty
• Modelling a low carbon local food system".

The full programme for the event will be published shortly along with a booking form. The organisers are keen that this process should be truly collaborative and democratic, so are inviting everyone to go along and share your views, energy and enthusiasm.

If you would like to reserve a place at this event, please contact: Lesley McLaren, Falkland Centre for Stewardship, The Stables, Falkland, Fife, KY15 7AF Tel: 01337 858838, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

(Source: Mike Small email 20 January 2010)