The third National Food Markets Conference is set to take place on December 9, 2008 in Blackpool - as part of the Taste of Lancashire Year of Food and Drink 2008.
Chaired by Sheila Dillon of the BBC Radio 4 Food Programme, the conference will hear from Robin Butler, chief executive of Lendlease Europe, George Nicholson, chairman of the National Retail Planning Forum, Mike Wilkinson, chief executive of Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board and Carolyn Steel author of Hungry City: How Food Shapes Our Lives, as well as other leading policy makers, practitioners and opinion formers.
This year’s theme - Growing A Market - will explore how markets can remain a key feature in the local retail map and the national political agenda, setting the agenda for future action for this important part of the food economy.
A programme, including guided visits, plenary sessions, workshops and debate, will consider the following objectives: what is a regional food strategy and how does it work, how can a food market be an anchor for development, and how important is an alternative supply chain.
The programme will begin on December 8 with guided visits of either the regeneration of Preston Market, guided visit to the Ribble Valley Food Trail or visit to Northcote Manor, Nigel Haworth’s restaurant and farm.
The main conference will be take place at the Imperial Hotel from 9am to 5pm.
Dillon said: “I am delighted to once again chair the National Food Markets Conference. We already know that markets are key in urban regeneration, but in these chaotic economic times there is a new appreciation of their importance in containing food costs and supporting British farmers. This conference will highlight the crucial role that markets play in our urban and rural economies.”
No comments yet