The Future of Local Food Systems: Re-Imagining Community Growing in Ireland

Join us at Common Knowledge for a weekend of community events as part of Irish Design Week 2024. These events will explore the future of local food systems in Ireland, focusing on sustainable community gardens and how we can reconnect to our food sources.

Event Overview:
On the 9th and 10th of November Common Knowledge are bringing together local farmers, community gardeners, and experts in sustainable food systems to share insights, discuss challenges, and explore bold, creative solutions for a more resilient, community-centered food future in Clare.

Whether you're a gardener, food enthusiast, or simply interested in community coming together - these events are a great opportunity to learn, connect, and engage with like-minded individuals.

DAY 1:

1. Panel Discussion and Workshop: The Future of Local Food Systems

Date: November 9, 2024
Time: 3.30pm - 5.30pm

Panelists:

Lara Hanson, Molly Garvey, Jim Cronin, Sean Morgan hosted by Aoife Hammond

Description:
Join us for a public panel discussion featuring design and food systems specialists and local community garden representatives. This session will explore the current state of local food systems in Clare, diving into practical challenges like access to land, sustainability, and policy barriers. Expect an engaging conversation on how local communities can strengthen food networks and create sustainable, resilient food systems.

This event is for anyone interested in community gardening, food systems, or sustainability and is designed to spark dialogue around the pressing issues in Ireland's local food movement.

This event is followed by a potluck dinner with guest speakers

2. Community Potluck Dinner

Date: November 9, 2024
Time: 6 PM

Description:
Come together for a community potluck dinner where local residents, farmers, and food enthusiasts share made by the community. This evening offers a unique opportunity to connect with your community, exchange ideas, and build relationships around sustainable food systems. Whether you're a seasoned gardener, a local food advocate, or community food networks, this gathering is for you!

This in-person event is all about celebrating local food, fostering new community connections, and imagining the future of food in Clare. Bring a dish, share your stories, and get inspired by the growing potential of community food systems.

This meal is also an opportunity to explore and understand what a healthy and sustainable local food system means to them. We invite the community to stories and insights to help answer some provocative questions posed by the facilitators throughout the evening.

DAY 2:

11am - 4pm

Take a tour of the land at Common Knowledge to see how different methods of small scale food production and farming can benefit the local environment and community.

Taking inspiration from the land and from the discussions of the previous day, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with other participants and imagine the future of community growing in your area. The workshop will be about turning problems into solutions using design thinking and simple visual mark making. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be an artist to participate—everyone’s ideas and contributions are welcome!

Tickets & Registration:
All public events are free to attend, but spaces are limited! Please register now to secure your spot

The project is kindly supported by the Design and Craft Council of Ireland as part of Irish Design Week 2024

For more information on the Design and Crafts Council Ireland check out their website - https://www.dcci.ie/