The Northern Ireland Food Strategy Framework: A World Café Discussion

Northern Ireland’s food system is at a pivotal moment. Led by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Northern Ireland's Food Strategy Framework is now part of our Programme for Government. It sets out an ambitious vision for a food system that is environmentally sustainable, economically progressive, and capable of delivering safe, nutritious and accessible food for everyone. Evidence-based research will be essential to achieving this vision.

This interactive event will use a World Café format to bring participants together in small-group discussions focused on Northern Ireland’s Food Strategy Framework. The aim is to explore its priorities and identify new research opportunities that can inform the forthcoming action plan. Hosted by Food NI and Ulster University, the session is designed for academics, researchers, PhD candidates and relevant stakeholders who want to share insights, exchange perspectives and help shape future research and collaboration.

Why Should You Attend?

This event will:

• Provide a clear overview of the Northern Ireland Food Strategy Framework and its priorities
• Create opportunities to identify and shape new research directions and partnerships relating to sustainability, health, employability and the local economy
• Enable cross-disciplinary discussion using an interactive World Café format
• Give you a chance to contribute your expertise and perspectives to future food system priorities
• Allow you to network with cross-disciplinary researchers and organisations working to improve our local food system through collaboration and shared insight.

What’s included in the morning?

The session will begin with a networking breakfast using local and seasonal produce and will be followed by an ‘in conversation’ discussion with Joy Alexander, Head Future Food Policy, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Northern Ireland and Michele Shirlow (MBE), Founder and CEO of Food NI.

Attendees will then take part in an informal and interactive World Café session, working in small groups across the six themes of the framework. Researchers will be encouraged to collaborate and develop ideas that bridge the gap between farming, manufacturing, retail, food service, and public health.

Places are limited. Early booking is recommended.

Contact for queries: Professor Lynsey Hollywood (l.hollywood@ulster.ac.uk)

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