We live in uncertain times, but one thing we know for sure is that we all need to eat.
Another thing we know is that a food system that includes local regenerative agriculture means greater food security, a healthier environment and climate, and a stronger local economy.
So, what is the vision for local food security and how are Blue Mountains residents working towards this?
This is the key question being addressed at the ‘Overgrowing the System’ panel discussion and dinner as part of the Blue Mountains Edible Gardens Festival and Trail on the first weekend in March.
On the menu: a delicious meal featuring locally grown ingredients created by local artisan chef Cherry Moon, and an inspiring conversation to get you thinking beyond your plate and into the garden.
On the panel, a powerhouse of women who work to create change in food production and education in the Blue Mountains region: Lis Bastian of The Big Fix, the Blue Mountains Permaculture Institute and Blackheath Community Farm, Emmanuela Prigioni of Lyttleton Gardens and Springwood Community Gardens, Edwina McCarron of Providence Hill, and Erika Watson of Epicurean Harvest.
“To make the change we want to see, we need to have the conversations that outline our dreams,” says Sarah Daniel panel facilitator and community gardener.
“In times like these we need to dream big and work towards the best we can imagine. We want this conversation to get people not just thinking about food but taking action to create food sovereignty for our region.”
Panellist Emmanuela Prigioni agrees, “We live in what has been referred to as the ‘rooftop garden of Sydney’. Perhaps it is not just a decorative garden! While it may surprise some people to think of the Blue Mountains as a place where food is grown, our range of climatic conditions and variety of soils can support an exciting and diverse food system that has many more benefits than fresh local produce.”
‘Overgrowing the System’ is on Saturday March 3 from 6pm to 9pm, at Lyttleton Stores. Bookings are essential at www.lyttletonstores.com.au/edible-garden- festival.
Other festival events on the weekend of March 3-4 include Children in the Edible Garden activities for kids at Kindlehill, Seed Saving Workshop and Seed Swap at the Katoomba Community Gardens, Getting Your Edible Garden Started at Lyttleton Stores, and the chance to visit more than thirty edible gardens from Lapstone to Hartley on the Edible Garden Trail.
See www.facebook.com/bluemountainsediblegardenfestival/ for all event details.
Trail tickets are available at the Blue Mountains Food Co-op Little Shop, The Bog Bean, Gleebooks, Fed Deli, Glenbrook Village Nursery, Lyttleton Stores and online at www.lyttletonstores.com.au/edible-garden-festival. The festival is sponsored by Bendigo Bank and auspiced by Slow Food Blue Mountains.