Highland Good Food Conversation

Where are the boundaries between food, environmentalism and localism?

I suspect everyone may have a different answer to this, it seems prudent to ask the question. The conference has been about food, but it's clear there is a strong undercurrent of environmentalism (specifically sustainability and resilience), and also localism (it's about Highland food, not all food).

Speaking for myself, my political, social and economic outlook is radically localist and grew out of my concern for the environment. My interest in food (production, distribution, security) similarly stems from my environmental concerns and a desire for positive change. For me food, environmentalism and localism are completely enmeshed. The priorities and outlook of others may differ. That's a good thing, if we all thought the same thoughts the world would be a very boring place and it would be a huge waste of thought-capacity.

There are practical reasons for asking this question too. In order to implement many of the great ideas that the conference has engendered some level of formal organisation will be required. How much of this can be done within existing environmentally focussed groups? How much crossover should there be?

This is a great question, @George Mochrie. I realised, when I was presenting the findings from our group on Monday, that so many issues were coming up for me that I'm sure I could have gone on for an hour or so! But I had to keep it to 10 mins, so I only skimmed the surface.

However, since then my head has been spinning with exactly the same points you've raised here and I've decided to put it all down in writing in order to gain clarity for myself. I'll keep you posted as to what I come up with. I'm sure there'll be crossover with groups involved in the Transition Networks and with Incredible Edible, for example.

Thanks for raising the question!

My take on this is that everyone's boundaries are different. This conference (and now this movement) is about food that's good for the environment, people and producers. Anything that fits that bill is fair game, but we have to respect different views, not just within this group but in the wider world, and we do want to get things done!