Eco Bello - Local Food Group

Local Food Network

The Bellingen Local Food Network was founded in November 2007 by a group of Bellingen residents motivated by the need to work together co-operatively to maximise the production, distribution and consumption of locally-produced non-chemical fruit and vegetables.

We see our actions as taking place within the global context of the need to act decisively to ensure food security and sustainable food systems for this and future generations in the face of the challenges presented by climate change and Peak Oil.

Our actions are also part of a growing worldwide movement of re-localisation of food systems, not only for reasons of sustainability but also for reasons of justice and equity. Accordingly we support the aims and vision of the movement for Food Sovereignty articulated by La Via Campesina and other Southern-based peasant organisations."

We have regular meetings in the Bellingen Environment Centre and new people are always welcome.

This Wednesday the 7th of May we are having a special presentation on the Transition Towns project. Come along to Bella Book Cafe - food and drinks available from 6 pm for 7 pm start


			Bellingen's Shared Gardening co-operative 'Enjoying a Sunday morning’s work as part of Bellingen’s first shared gardening co-operative are, from left to right, (row one) Noah, Mirabi, Nick, Jude, Julie; (row two) Simon, Fiona, Camilo, Siddhanta; (row three) Vishnu, Carol, Paul and Lior (sitting).'

	Local Food Workshop More enjoyment of the environment and gardening at one of Sid and Aleasa's workshops.

Latest News

Thursday 16th October was World Food Day. See the press release issued by La Via Campesina from Maputo, Mozambique, as their 5th global congress gets under way ( http://www.viacampesina.org/main_en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=613&Itemid=1/). La Via Campesina is at the forefront of the global movement for Food Sovereignty, which was expressed in this way by 500 delegates from more than 80 countries who attended the Forum for Food Sovereignty in Selingue, Mali, in February 2007: this is known as the Declaration of Nyeleni, which says in part:

"Food sovereignty is the right of peoples to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods, and their right to define their own food and agriculture systems. It puts those who produce, distribute and consume food at the heart of food systems and policies rather than the demands of markets and corporations. It defends the interests and inclusion of the next generation. It offers a strategy to resist and dismantle the current corporate trade and food regime, and directions for food, farming, pastoral and fisheries systems determined by local producers. Food sovereignty prioritises local and national economies and markets and empowers peasant and family farmer-driven agriculture, artisanal fishing, pastoralist-led grazing, and food production, distribution and consumption based on environmental, social and economic sustainability. Food sovereignty promotes transparent trade that guarantees just income to all peoples and the rights of consumers to control their food and nutrition. It ensures that the rights to use and manage our lands, territories, waters, seeds, livestock and biodiversity are in the hands of those of us who produce food. Food sovereignty implies new social relations free of oppression and inequality between men and women, peoples, racial groups, social classes and generations."

The way to end to the global food crisis - as well as to make a big impact on climate change and to build resilience in the face of Peak Oil - is to embrace Food Sovereignty as the model to reorganise the global food production system. The Bellingen Local Food Network is a part of this historic transformation.

The Bellingen Seed Savers Network was launched at the Local Food Network / Transition Cafe on Wednesday 24th September. For more details please contact Irene Wallin, 6655 9090

Backyard gardening workshop held on Sunday 31st August in North Bellingen. A very successful and enjoyable day, with lots of knowledge shared. The next workshop is scheduled for Sunday 2nd November, for details please contact Sid Hazell, hazells1@bigpond.com or 66550453.

Our Global Food news page is being updated regularly. Please visit the link on the right hand menu bar to read what is happening globally in relation to food and food sovereignty issues.