Cork Plans Sustainable Food

Cork Food Policy Council has announced plans to develop a sustainable and healthy food policy to help a create a resilient and local food system which is inclusive for all. The initiative was launched during the “Cork on a Fork” Festival at Good Day Deli in Nano Nagle Place.

The ambition is to influence local food policy to follow best practice; to support new initiatives that promote knowledge, skills and experience around food; and to advocate for innovative community food initiatives to improve the food system and access to quality food. Their final plan will outline what Cork can do to support a fairer, healthier, more secure and sustainable food system. The consultation phase, which is now open, invites input from anyone curious to know what “A Resilient and Local Food System for Cork” might look like. The public can share their voice to the conversation on consult.corkcity.ie. 

Cork Food Policy Council, established in 2014, is a partnership between representatives of the local community; food retail; farmers; restaurants and catering sector; education, environmental and health sectors; and Cork City Council. 

This policy work comes at a time when global and local food systems are facing extreme challenges ranging from climate change to obesity, malnourishment and food insecurity. Cities host over half the world’s population, with Cork City’s population projected to increase to 330,000 by 2040. In the context of rapid growth, the COVID crisis, instability due to conflict and over reliance on food importation, and climate impacts, the global food systems’ challenges have become serious issues for cities, including Cork City. 

Ireland has a responsibility and commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020, and more locally in Cork City, there is a commitment to a 30% reduction by 2030. The work of the Cork Food Policy is informed by and will aim to work in tangent with these goals.