Invitation -Taste Council of Ireland Food Summer School, 22 August 2016

The TASTE Council of Ireland is a voluntary representative group of the smaller food business sector made up largely of local, artisan and speciality food producers. Its remit is solely focused on Irish Artisan and Speciality Food Producers.

The sixth annual TASTE Council Food Summer School will take place on Monday the 22nd of August (09.30-18.00) at BrookLodge in Co. Wicklow. We are now accepting registrations for this event via this link.

Organised in association with Bord Bia, the Food Summer School 2016 will explore the Speciality & Artisan food sector’s role in the protection and development of rural Irish communities. We will look at how this sector, in partnership with the tourism sector and our farming community, can play a vital role in sustainable and flourishing rural economies and communities.

The day will begin with a look at the Achill Island Food and Tourism community. With the help of key members of this community, we will explore the successes and challenges to creating a sustainable food community. We will then bring together key stakeholders in the Irish food, agriculture and tourism sectors along with experts in rural development. Together these will examine the current status within Irish rural communities and the interplay between food production, tourism and the sustainable development of these communities. Pathways to best create a more vibrant and mutually beneficial environment for rural development and growth will be articulated as a result of this session.

After lunch we will facilitate round table discussions between all delegates in order to prioritise actions together and key areas to focus our influence.

It is hoped that the day will point to a new direction where food production, including the farming and fishing communities, can be at the centre of rural development policy.

The Summer School also provides an excellent forum for small food businesses to network with fellow producers and stakeholders in the sector. The Brook Lodge will present both lunch and dinner reflecting the ethos and quality of the best of Irish artisan and farmhouse food in an atmosphere of conviviality. (Note: The Harvest Dinner is optional, with drinks from 18.30 and dinner served from 19.30)

We look forward to welcoming you to what is sure to be an informative and productive day.

Yours sincerely,