Food system dialogue held in Canberra September 2009 to bring together stakeholders to strengthen local food systems for better health and well-being.

1. Food – back to the future?
Gabrielle O’Kane
University of Canberra
DAA – ACT Branch May 2010

2. The origins of the local food
system dialogue
Fairness
The Price We Pay
Watch the full version of Stephen Long's report "The Price We Pay", first
broadcast 1 September, 2008. Length: 44'52"
The Beast File: Woolies and Coles (HUNGRY BEAST)
looks at Australia’s Big Two supermarket chains. Woolworths & Coles
are a $100 billion a year duopoly with a retail market share unmatched
in the developed world. Length: 2’47”

3. Sustainable food system
‘A sustainable and resilient food system
conserves and renews natural resources,
advances social justice and animal welfare,
builds community wealth, and fulfils the food
and nutrition needs of all eaters now and in the
future’
The Hunger and Environmental Interest Group of the American Dietetic
Association (2009)

4. Why strengthen local food
systems?
• Food democracy
Active participation in the food
system
• Food citizenship
Engaging in food related behaviours
that support the development of
sustainable food systems

5. The food system dialogue
Old Parliament House, Canberra
September 17, 2009
Aims of the day
Bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to:
1. Share experiences and ideas about the benefits of a
more thoughtful approach to food
2. Consider ways to build sustainability into local food
systems
3. Explore the potential for action to build social capital
through the local food system

6. Who attended the food
dialogue?
Local food producers
Agricultural scientists
Public health nutritionists
Project officers (Groundswell project)
Managers of food co-operatives and community
gardens
Caterers
Welfare groups
Academics
DAA & PHAA
ACT Planning and Land Authority & ACTCOSS
ACT Commissioner for Sustainability and the
Environment

7. Outcomes – possible short term actions

8. Outcomes – possible short term actions

9. Outcomes – possible short term actions

10. Outcomes – possible long term actions