The Soil Association, Organic Trade Board (OTB), Beyond GM campaign group, and The Fairtrade Foundation are among the headliners confirmed to take part, hosting a series Keynote sessions and panel debates on topical issues focusing on (but not limited to): organic farming and retailing, sustainable food production and systems, the role of GMOs, ethical consumption and social enterprise, and the continuing rise of conscious consumerism.
Lee Holdstock, trade relations manager at Soil Association, said: “I cannot envisage Soil Association ever not being part of this event.
“It’s an established ‘must’ in the industry calendar and a fantastic chance to grow, learn, be inspired, meet old friends and, of course, do business.”
Speakers include:
• Why organic is the solution – the Soil Association’s Lee Holdstock examines the real-world relevance and urgency of organic as a long-term sustainable solution for food production.
• Why Fairtrade? What makes the difference – Cliona Duffy, senior partnership manager at The FairTrade Foundation, outlines the successes of The Fairtrade Mark 25 years on and explains more about its latest campaign calling for farmers and workers to receive a living income.
• The Conscious Organic Consumer – Clare McDermott and Finn Cottle from the Soil Association are joined by the OTB’s Aileen Nicol, Triodos Bank’s Simon Crichton, and Ethical Consumer’s Joanna Long to discuss the latest organic market trends and how it delivers for today’s increasingly ethical, conscious and mindful consumers.
• From the Summer of Love to today’s organic marketplace – Craig and Gregory Sams, the brothers who helped kick start Britain’s natural food revolution in 1967 and created iconic brands like Harmony Foods, Whole Earth, Realeat Vegeburger (the first ever vegeburger) and Green & Black’s, will be sharing their insights, images and anecdotes a-plenty on 52 years of whole food history.
• In conversation with Heather Masoud – the co-founder of Zaytoun talks to Michael Wale, about her motivation for building a successful social enterprise, which sells an award-winning range of Palestinian fine foods.
The full speaker programme, including a mix of retailer-focused and supplier-focused sessions, is available to view at www.naturalproducts.co.uk/seminars.