International conference

The future of food

Keynote speakers

Addressing the global food challenge

The world’s food systems are facing unprecedented challenges. Against a background of ‘the perfect storm’ of climate change, water and fossil fuel depletion, population expansion and the shrinking area of agricultural land, new models of sustainable food systems are urgently needed.

Last year a major international report and assessment (IAASTD) involving 400 scientists and 110 countries concluded that the current industrial model based on high external inputs and globalised distribution, was neither sustainable nor resilient – in other words, business as usual is not an option. This conference will address four key themes:

• The Food Crunch: How serious is it?
• Who’s responsible for change? What is the role of government, civil society, industry, and individuals?
• What are the alternatives and how do we support innovation in the food system? 

Conference booking

Delegate rates:

• Standard conference ticket, to include full conference programme, evening talk by Eric Schlosser, lunch, tea and coffee: £75
• Soil Association member, concessionary, NGO and Charity Rate: £55
• Eric Schlosser evening talk only: £10

For further information contact Feona:
E: fhorrex@soilassociation.org
T: 0117 987 4586

Conference programme

9am Registration

10:30am Session 1 The Food Crunch: How serious is it?

Professor Bob Watson, Chief Scientist DEFRA, followed by international panel perspectives and Q&A

Panel: 

• Dr. Sophia Twarog - UNCTAD
• Deborah Doane - World Development Movement
• Dr. Julia Wright - Garden Organic Lessons from Cuba
• Chair Monty Don, Soil Association President

Morning Keynote: Patrick Holden, Chief Executive, Soil Association: How do we deliver a food system that is economically and environmentally sustainable

12:30pm Organic lunch break provided by FRESH

2:15pm Session 2 Who's responsible for change? What is the role of government, civil society, industry, and individuals? 

Expert panel speeches followed by Q&A

Panel:

• Rosie Boycott, Mayor of London's Food Czar
• Sue Dibb, Sustainable Development Commission
• Lord Peter Melchett, Policy Direct Soil Association
• Paul Kelly, ASDA
• Chair Katie Derham, ITN

3:45pm Tea Break

4:30pm Session 3 What are the alternatives and how do we support innovation in the food system?

Vandana Shiva followed by expert panel speeches and Q&A

Panel: 

• Jeremy Leggett, Solar Century
• Andy Goldring, Permaculture Association
• Philip Blond, NESTA
• Rob Hopkins, Transition Towns
• Chair Helen Browning, Soil Association

6pm Break + Wine served

6:30- 8pm Evening session

Fireside chat with Eric Schlosser interviewed by author and journalist, Felicity Lawrence

(c) Soil Association 2009 - www.soilassociation.org