The forum gave council representatives valuable time to connect with colleagues from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, with Joy Alexander outlining the future of food policy and setting out the priorities and principles behind how DAERA wants to work cross departmentally on this key theme.
Food was very much at the heart of the day’s activities. The Liberty Consortium shared their work on the Playtrail initiative, Community Fridge and Crumbs Pale Ale project, presented by Rachel Duffy and Mark Roberts. A foraging demonstration led by Naomi Kelly gave attendees a hands on look at how wild food can be identified and used, while lunch was followed by a tour of Acorn Farm, where Allan Bogle, Sustainable Food Coordinator for Derry City and Strabane District Council, spoke about the council’s Sustainable Food Programme and showed attendees around the site.
At its core, the forum remained a space for local authority members to share the work they are doing in reuse and repair. Councils used the day to highlight recent activity and set out their plans for upcoming projects, along with any support they might need going forward. This exchange gave everyone in the room a chance to learn from one another, share best practice and find inspiration for their own reuse and repair work. Overall, the forum was a valuable opportunity for councils and DAERA colleagues to strengthen connections and continue building momentum around sustainable food, reuse and repair across the region.
