A Bioregional Banquet

South Devon is rich in food culture and in the people who bring it to life. But the systems that support them are under stress from market pressures and policy uncertainty, and especially from climate breakdown. This evening provided an opportunity to pause and consider food security and adaptation - our food futures - in the company of those who feel equally overwhelmed at times, those who tend, gather, farm, fish, research, or work in managed landscapes, restoration, or in a variety of occupations at sea.

• What characterizes the food systems here in South Devon?
• Who are the people creating inspirational stories?
• What are the challenges and pressures? What's working and what’s not in the system?
• Where might we support each other or act differently, together, in adapting to climate breakdown?

The evening was about breaking bread, listening to each other and seeing potential in a practical, joined-up, resilient food system.

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This event acknowledged the challenges faced by those upholding traditional foodways and livelihoods; young farmers needing land, tenant farmers approaching retirement, food businesses dealing with rising sourcing, production and transportation costs - and all of us seeing water and soil quality issues, biodiversity loss and shrinking portions or empty shop shelves. BLC is incubating 'Joined-up Action for Climate & Nature.' A key focus area is food production and food culture. Collective learning from the Banquet will feed directly into this work.

We don’t have all the answers yet, but we hope to continue listening, learning, and supporting local collaboration where it can make a difference.

What could come next:

•  New relationships, ideas, and possibilities
•  Collective proposals that attract funding or pilot support
•  A shift in how we think about food and climate and new measures for progress
•  Momentum for a strong, collective regional food identity, not just marketing
•  A visible shift toward more democratic, resilient food organising in South Devon.

‍Support this work

The cost of putting on such a grand and ambitious event was high, and we are delighted to have been able to offer this experience to the community. And, we would be grateful to receive donations from those who are able! This will support the Bioregional Learning Centre’s ongoing bioregional work in South Devon - including follow-up events and collaborative initiatives emerging from the Banquet. Follow this link to donate.