Is it possible to transform the food system without addressing the economic system of capitalism? What can we learn from struggles to change the food system, from “voting with your fork” to the need to build longer-term movements dedicated to systemic change?
In this community event, Eric Holt-Giménez from Food First, California, will discuss the role of capitalism in structuring the global food regime, knowledge which is essential for any foodie who wants to better understand the political, financial, governmental and market structures that presently work against sustainability and food justice. Eric will also identify spaces within global capitalism where change is possible – including examples from agroecology, food sovereignty, cooperatives, the commons, fair trade, urban agriculture, land justice and community organising.
Eric will be joined by a panel of local fair food advocates and practitioners from the SEQ region, who will offer their insights into how these global lessons might apply to building a fairer food system in our own backyard. While capitalism certainly structures the global food system, local change is possible!
This will be followed by an open Q&A session and discussion. Tickets cost $6
Faciliator and Chair:
Dr Carol Richards, is a Senior Lecturer, School of Business, Queensland University of Technology and co-founder of the Brisbane Fair Food Alliance. She researches and publishes on the topics of food security, food waste, supermarkets and food system governance. In addition to her academic work, Carol co-authored Australia’s People’s Food Plan, and co-produced a fair food documentary whilst serving as the Vice-President of the Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance.
The Panel:
Dr Kiah Smith, Research Fellow in the UQ School of Social Science, and co-founder of the Brisbane Fair Food Alliance. As a Sociologist in environment and development, Kiah’s work broadly examines social and political contestation within the corporate food regime. She has researched and written on fair and ethical trade, resilience, land speculation and financing, social solidarity economy, gender empowerment, green economy and the SDGs.
Joel Orchard is a food systems activist, passionate advocate for young farmers and local food and an activated industry networker. His interests are in exploring the social sustainability of local food production and tackling the issue of an ageing farmer population. Joel has been instrumental in establishing Future Feeders, a young farmers hub, peer support and community farming program and associated capacity building networks - the Northern Rivers Young Farmers Alliance and Young Farmers Connect group. His other principle projects include FEED Northern Rivers - participatory guarantee system & the Community Supported Agriculture Network Australia and New Zealand
Emily Arbuckle is a Leader of the Brisbane Chapter of the Youth Food Movement (YFM). YFM is a national, volunteer-led organisation that aims to build the skills, knowledge and experience that young people have around food. She studied a Bachelor of Biomedicine, followed by a Master of Public Health at the University of Melbourne, aiming for a career in health promotion. Upon finishing her studies she moved north to the Gold Coast and launched a healthy snack company with the goal of building a new platform from which to promote healthy eating. Although the business is no longer running, the experience exposed her to the world of food manufacturing, labelling and marketing, sourcing and sustainability, and opened her mind to the concept of 'conscious capitalism' in the food industry.
Eating: It would not be a food event without some delicious treats. A Fair Food BBQ (with meat and vegetarian options) and drinks will be available for purchase on the night.
Rug Up: As the event will be held in the very groovy food connect warehouse, you may need to bring warm clothes.
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Earlier Event: October 20
Nursery Open Day and Plant Sale
Later Event: October 11
Bush Loop