Voices in the Field to explore the future of local food in Inishowen

A unique community event, taking place in Inishowen next week, is inviting people to rethink where their food comes from and how local communities can take greater control of their food future.

‘Voices in the Field’ on Saturday 14 November, will bring together farmers, food growers, community groups and members of the public for a day of farm visits, local food and conversation focused on building healthier, more resilient communities.

Participants will begin the day with a visit to John Hamilton’s farm in Newtowncunningham, where they will hear firsthand about plans to sell locally produced beef directly to customers.

The event, which is being organised by ChangeMakers Donegal and Inishowen Development Partnership, will then travel to Buncrana GAA for an organic lunch and a public talk featuring Dr Rupa Marya, physician and researcher at Trinity College Dublin, and Ollie Moore of Talamh Beo, who are also collaborating with IDP and ChangeMakers on the day.

During the event, Dr Rupa Marya will officially launch the Fit for Our Plates Initiative at Buncrana GAA. The initiative aims to raise awareness around the connections between food, health, fitness and environmental sustainability, while encouraging communities to take practical steps towards a healthier and more resilient future.

In taking part, Buncrana GAA will become only the second GAA club in Ireland to participate in an initiative like this.

Jimmy D'Arcy, Youth Leadership and Sustainability Manager with the GAA, will also attend the event to support the launch.

Speaking ahead of the event, Ollie Moore of Talamh Beo highlighted the urgent need to strengthen local food systems.

“Half a million people in Ireland are already in food poverty, and families are spending up to one third of their incomes to buy healthy food,” said Ollie.

“Globally, food inflation is spiralling out of control and, as we are so dependent on food imports, this will increasingly hit us hard. We need to build out our local food supply infrastructure, which is totally inadequate considering what we face and what we need.”

“We need to urgently support our local food farmers. Now is the time for us to come together and really work to build our food resilience.”

Myra McAuliffe, Project Coordinator of ChangeMakers Donegal at Inishowen Development Partnership, said the event reflects growing public interest in local food and community resilience.

“IDP is delighted to welcome Dr Rupa Marya and Ollie Mooreback to Donegal six months after their last visit,” said Myra.

“It’s clear that our community wants a deeper connection to local food, local farmers and one another. Local people want to eat, grow and share food that is local, healthy and affordable,” said Myra.

The event is designed as a bus tour, with stops to meet John Hamilton, a local farmer in Newtowncunningham who plans to sell beef directly to local customers, and a visit to Buncrana GAA for a community organic lunch.

The event is free to attend, with a free bus service available, but advance booking is required.

For bookings, contact IDP on 07493 62218 or email [email protected] or book your place directly at: https://inishowen.ie/whats-on/