Global Crisis : Organic Response Debate

On Monday 27th April 2009 three of the country’s leading experts on sustainable food and agriculture spoke to a hundred and fifty people attended the Global Crisis : Organic Response debate, held in Manchester City Centre.

The event, which includes presentations and a BBC style Question Time hosted Patrick Holden CBE – Director of The Soil Association, Susanne Padel – Research Associate of Aberystwyth University, and Lawrence Woodward OBE of Organic Research Centre Elm Farm.

The event looked at why organic production is not seen as a more crucial element of our response to climate change and the impact of the economic crisis, with the inspiring and influential speakers covered a broad range of topics from food security, organic food purchasing during the recession and social change:

• Patrick Holden – Director of The Soil Association answered the question: Climate change and organic food, do we need a food plan for Britain?
• Susanne Padel – Research Associate of Aberystwyth University, asked: In a time of recession, can organic food be a reality for the majority?
• Lawrence Woodward - Director of The Organic Research Centre Elm Farm discussed ‘Organic citizens’, more than just organic consumers?

The event was jointly organised by Kindling and Unicorn Grocery and was funded by Awards for All.

Dr Susanne Padel - audio

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• Global crisis debate

Dr Susanne Padel was the second 'Global Crisis : Organic Response' speaker presenting an informative powerpoint presentation on the market realities of organic sales, particularly during recession; as well as consumer attitudes and changing motivations.

Susanne is a well respected and well published research associate of the Institute of Rural Sciences at the University of Wales Aberystwyth with research interests in the socio-economic aspect of organic farming systems.

audio: 

Susanne Padel.mp3

Lawrence Woodward - audio

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• Global crisis debate

Lawrence Woodward OBE of Organic Research Centre Elm Farm argues that we need to be more than just organic consumers.

audio: 

Lawrence-Woodward.mp3

Patrick Holden - audio

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• Global crisis debate

Patrick Holden (Directory of the Soil Association) discusses the need for a food plan for Britain, if we are to face up to the twin crises of climate change and peak oil.

audio: 

Patrick Holden.mp3

Susanne Padel - Presentation

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• Global crisis debate

Susanne Padel's powerpoint presentation. In a time of recession can organic food become a reality for the majority? Contains facts and figures about how the organic market is holding up to the recession and what the short and medium terms future is likely to be for various sectors.