As part of the REACH (Research Engagement and Collaboration Hub) programme, the Department of Entrepreneurship and Local Economy at the University of Birmingham will be holding a workshop exploring the competing demands and perceptions of sustainability for the food industry. The workshop is part of a wider project to engage cross community debates on sustainability to include economic (sustainable livelihoods), social (minimises negative impact on wellbeing and environmental (minimises negative impact to the natural environment).

We have a range of speakers including Hilary Hammer from East Riding Local Food Network and a founder of the Sustainable Food City project in Hull, she is currently working on a project on innovation in the agrifood sector.  Dr Adélia de Paula is the Sustainable Intensification Research Network (SIRN) Coordinator, a project funded by the UK Research Councils BBSRC and NERC and she will be talking about the concept of sustainable intensification.  Sam Durham from the NFU will be speaking about the NFU and sustainability issues.  Rachel Graham from Solagrow a consultancy services provider who designs solutions to create sustainable farming practices for small family farms will present a case study.  Prof. Kiran Trehan will be talking about ways forward for research and how engaged research is critical in delivering impact for scholars and practice.  We will also be asking participants for their thoughts and views on demands and perceptions of sustainability.  This will be an interactive event where we hope to generate questions to inform future research.

This is a free event and will take place on Tuesday 4^th July, registration from 10am for a 10.30am start and ends at 2.30pm.  Lunch will be provided and is an opportunity for networking.  This event is relevant for anyone interested in small (family) firms, sustainability, and food production.  For further information or to reserve your place please email Jane at J.Glover@bham.ac.uk.  Please confirm your attendance by Wednesday 28th June and please state any special dietary requirements.