Scotland
Sustainable Food Cities Network launch
On Thursday 22nd March 2012 the Soil Association-led Sustainable Food Cities Network was launched in Scotland. The conference was co-hosted by Soil Association Scotland and City of Edinburgh Council. Around 70 representatives from across Scotland and the North of England gathered in Edinburgh to hear about cities around the world that are mainstreaming food as a driver of positive socio-economic and environmental change. The delegates, representing public, private and third sector organisations, discussed how to take this agenda forward for their own cities and communities.
Welcome to Edinburgh - Councillor Robert Aldridge, Head of Environment, City of Edinburgh Council
Councillor Robert Aldridge set the scene by highlighting that the way in which cities manage the production, procurement and consumption of food has huge potential to drive positive social, economic and environmental change.
Scotland’s Sustainable Food Agenda - David Thomson, Deputy Director for Food, Drink and Rural Communities
David Thomson spoke about the Scottish Government’s commitment to working with a wide range of stakeholders, and across all government agendas to change food and drink culture in Scotland.
International Sustainable Food Cities - Kevin Morgan, Professor of Governance and Development at Cardiff University
Professor Kevin Morgan inspired the audience with examples of cities around the world that are mainstreaming food through development of Food Policy Councils.
Sustainable Food Cities Network – Tom Andrews, Programmes Director at the Soil Association
Tom Andrews introduced the Soil Association-led Sustainable Food Cities Network which enables cities and communities to share best practice.
Sustainable Food in the Cairngorms - David Green, Convenor of the Cairngorms National Park Authority
David Green explained how the national park has developed a regional Food for Life Development Plan, and prioritises food as a key agenda across all sectors.
Sustainable Food in Stirling - Rebecca Maxwell, Assistant CEO of Stirling Council
Rebecca Maxwell talked about what Stirling is doing in terms of sustainable food, and their aspiration to be one of the first Sustainable Food Cities in Scotland.
Sustainable Food City Edinburgh - Pete Ritchie, Chair of Nourish Scotland
Pete Ritchie from Nourish Scotland pointed to the many compelling reasons for Edinburgh to become a Sustainable Food City, and the commitment from Sustainable Edinburgh 2020 to achieve this.
Edinburgh Food for Life Pilot project - Dr Charles Winstanley, Chair of NHS Lothian
Dr Charles Winstanley gave an overview of this new three year project which involves a partnership between NHS Lothian, City of Edinburgh Council, and the University of Edinburgh to adopt the Soil Association’s Food for Life Catering Mark as a way of driving positive change.