LOCAL food producers and organisations came together this week to explore new ways of promoting food sustainability across the City and District.
The first meeting of the Acorn Food Network took place at Brooke Park Horticulture Training Centre, where the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Alderman Graham Warke, heard more about how local producers hope to shape a districtwide strategy promoting more sustainable food practices.
The meeting marked the beginning of a journey for Derry and Strabane to become a registered Sustainable Food Place, ultimately earning its place within a network of 50+ cities and places around the UK that are on a pathway to address issues around food sustainability.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Graham Warke said: “It’s great to see this type of initiative being driven by Council and people from across our local food system – from those who grow food to those who help connect people to food.
“I hope that it’s just the start of many conversations about how our local food systems can be improved helping local people, the economy and our planet.
“We have seen a huge increase in people interested in growing their own over the last 18 months which can only help enhance this movement as people become more aware of where their food comes from and growing techniques.”
Sustainable Food Places Co-ordinator, Allan Bogle, added: “Food systems connect people and the planet.
“Issues around food security very prevalent at the moment and we hope that the Acorn Food Network is the beginning of an exciting journey towards creating a more sustainable future through food.
“It’s so refreshing to hear from different local partners about projects that are currently either taking place or are in development.
“Through this network we aim to create a joint vision for the region and to develop and implement an action plan.
“Food sustainability will require a joined-up approach with us all working together for a better, healthier, more prosperous eco-friendly future.”
The campaign is just the latest initiative in Council’s drive to address key environmental challenges in line with the targets set out in its Climate Change Adaptation Plan.
