Major conference will look at the role of caterers in tackling the climate crisis

CONFERENCE: The climate and biodiversity crisis, and the impact of food procurement

A major conference, taking place on 14^th November 2019 at Bristol City Hall, will address the impact of food in the climate crisis and examine how those working in procurement and catering can act to source and serve food in a way that is good for people and planet. The all-day event is aimed at a wide and varied audience, including any organisation or professional who procures, buys or sources food, provides food for others, or who influences any of those activities within their organisation. 

Delegates will hear from sustainability thought-leaders, including Dr. Jo House – climate scientist and lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – as well as industry experts, including Rich Osborn of sustainable food wholesaler Fresh Range. Also addressing the conference, Meyling Antonia González– a Nicaraguan Fairtrade coffee farmer – will highlight how the climate crisis affects small-scale farmers worldwide.

The conference, which is free to attend, is being hosted by Bristol Going for Gold, the city-wide campaign that calls on individuals and organisations across Bristol to take ‘Good Food’ actions, with the aim of achieving a Gold Sustainable Food Cities Award by the end of 2020. Bristol’s Food Policy Council defines ‘Good Food’ as food that is tasty, healthy and affordable, as well as good for nature, workers, communities, local businesses and for animal welfare.

With food and farming estimated to produce up to 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions, food catering and procurement has been identified as a priority in Bristol for addressing the climate crisis. Alongside food waste, sustainable procurement is one of Bristol Going for Gold’s ‘areas of excellence’ in which Bristol will demonstrate pioneering activity in their bid to achieve Gold status.

Bristol City Council, who alongside Bristol Food Network and Bristol Green Capital Partnership are coordinating the Bristol Going for Gold bid, have included ambitious targets for sustainable procurement in the One City Plan. The Council has also adopted a Good Food and Catering Procurement Policy Framework, which supports improvements to the health and sustainability of food provided in the Council’s public buildings and through its activities, using the Soil Association Food For Life Served Here accreditation and the Bristol Eating Better Award.

The conference will take place from 9:30am – 4pm on Thursday 14^th November 2019. Free registration at: https://g4g14nov19.eventbrite.co.uk