DECLARATION OF ADELAIDE ON THE FUTURE OF FOOD

Today key personalities participating in the inaugural Adelaide Food Summit on The Future of Food released a declaration expressing their deep concerns about the future of food and agriculture in Australia, and about the well-being of the population and the implications of increasing obesity.

The inaugural Adelaide Food Summit on The Future of Food was held this week between 25-26 October as a new Tasting Australia event.

"The Food Summit has delivered beyond any expectations", said Ian Parmenter, Festival Director,Tasting Australia. "I’m thrilled that for the first time in this country such a comprehensive statement has been made about the future of our food by such an influential group of food professionals."

The summit attracted a cornucopia of international and national food writers, broadcasters, chefs, restaurateurs, producers, educators, industry experts and researchers. Some of the key sessions included: 'Food for health and well-being', 'The benefits of collaboration in global markets' and 'The role of chefs in shaping food trends and demand'.

Among the many food experts were representatives from the Marine Stewardship Council, Food Standards Australia and New Zealand, the Oldways Preservation Trust USA, The National Centre of Excellence in Functional Foods and CSIRO Health Sciences and Nutrition.

President of the Boston-based Oldways Preservation Trust, K. Dun Gifford, believes this Declaration will have real impact far beyond the state of South Australia and even of Australia. "In its clarity and directness, and sense of purpose, this is a unique statement about the all-important issues of our food supply."

"Australia has achieved a great deal in agricultural innovation and food production," said Dr Barbara Santich, South Australian-based food academic. "For example, we are now paying much more attention to the sustainability of our resources, especially marine resources. Looking ahead, we need to ensure that food producers are appropriately rewarded for adopting sustainable practices."

The Declaration and its signatories are below.

Media enquiries, please contact:

The Tasting Australia James Squire media centre on 08 8238 2455 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              08 8238 2455      end_of_the_skype_highlighting to contact Ian Parmenter or any of these signatories for further comment: Dun Gifford, Stephanie Alexander, Barbara Santich and John Newton.

DECLARATION OF ADELAIDE ON THE FUTURE OF FOOD

We the undersigned food professionals express our deep concerns about the future of food and agriculture in Australia, and about the well-being of the population and the implications of increasing obesity.

Gathered here at the Adelaide Food Summit organised by Tasting Australia,

WE THEREFORE DECLARE:

1. Access to safe, wholesome food in adequate quantities is a basic human right, and governments must accord high priority to giving force and effect to this right.

2. Public food policies and programs, such as in schools and hospitals, should be encouraged to include fresh, local, minimally-processed and seasonal foods.

3. Promoting sustainable agricultural practices and preserving cultural and biological diversity are essential for the health of the planet and its inhabitants. To this end, governments should support sustainable, small-scale agriculture on the fringes of large population centres, and protect other threatened farmland.

4. Food producers should be appropriately rewarded for adopting and maintaining practices conducive to long-term sustainability.

5. It is essential that children learn at an early age about food production, flavour, food preparation and food culture; and about the impact of their food choices upon their well-being and that of the environment. All schools have a responsibility in this.

6. Governments need to adopt the precautionary principle in respect to new technologies associated with food.

SIGNATORIES

K. Dun Gifford, President, Oldways Preservation Trust, Boston, USA
Jane Adams, Chairman, Australian Farmers' Markets Association, NSW
Stephanie Alexander, food writer, Victoria
Maggie Beer, cook, writer, food, South Australia
Antonio Carluccio, TV presenter, broadcaster and food writer, UK
Ian Hemphill, President, Food Media Club of Australia, NSW
Gina Mallet, author of Last Chance to Eat, Canada
Lyndey Milan, Food Director, Australian Women's Weekly, and TV presenter, NSW
John Newton, journalist and author, NSW
Jill Norman, food writer, UK
Ian Parmenter, Festival Director, Tasting Australia, WA
Cherry Ripe, food writer and author, NSW
Associate Professor Barbara Santich, Graduate Program in Gastronomy, University of Adelaide, SA
Joanna Savill, journalist and TV presenter, SBS, NSW