New here?
The Challenge
1023 followers
How might we better connect food production and consumption?
Recent Updates
View all updates
Congratulationsto all our contributors!
Activity Feed
Realisation
Propelling Impact
August 05, 2011, 12:31AM
While the Queensland Government are considering the various prototype outcomes that we submitted after the OpenIDEO Local Food workshop, a small team of us based at Propeller in Melbourne have decided to crack on and get something cooking.
What we’re cooking up
One part food media, one part produce store, The Locavore Edition is an interactive guide to Australia’s regional produce and the people that grow it. We're planning a set of guidebooks, a website and an app to make it easy for anyone to be a locavore – to access quality produce from their food region or to enjoy regional food tourism by going direct to the source. These tools, mashing up many of the great OpenIDEO concepts floated at the Local Food workshop (such as the Celebration of Imperfection and Window to the Farm) will also connect growers to new markets by providing a platform for them to share their story and sell their goods. In the name of localism and authenticity we aim to celebrate quality local produce, farming and regional life.
We already have a brand and the first stages of the website in development. We are planning to start by profiling regional growers and their produce, while using social media to connect producers and consumers together – to learn from each other and do business together. Our editorial focus will be to reveal the fantastic produce accessible from Australia’s small farms and independent producers, encouraging chefs and foodies to go to the source and to share their knowledge in a growing community. We aim to provide an opportunity for growers to keep the market up to date through their own online profile, while our in-house research will enable us to connect likeminded individuals and businesses that are interested in collaborating.
Our aim is to inspire Australians and international visitors to look locally and to think seasonally so that they can discover the wealth of regional produce on offer. In doing so we will be able to support growers and providers who are passionate about sustainability – and are committed to growing and selling quality produce.
Why Now?
In an era of urbanisation, globalisation and environmental uncertainty, there is heightened awareness of the value of the local – resulting in increased demand for products and experiences that celebrate locality, authenticity, originality and quality.
This reawakening to the value of quality produce and the valuable role that is played by the people that grow needs to be nurtured and supported. It holds huge economic and social potential for farmers, small businesses and regional communities across Australia. We are excited by the economic, social and ecological potential of regional food systems that could create a bright future for Australian farming communities. We like good food. We like the idea of a better future. Enough said.
Comments
November 14, 2011, 01:31AM
August 23, 2011, 05:13AM
August 05, 2011
12:31AM
Tweet this
Email to friends