Over 60 business leaders, chefs, community representatives and students recently gathered at Southern Regional College in Banbridge for ‘Grow Together: Regenerating Our Borough.’
The event, a collaboration between the Food Heartland and the Southern Regional College (SRC) Business Support and Innovation department, was funded by Connected NI, an initiative promoting knowledge exchange between academia and industry.
Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Kyle Savage officially opened the event, emphasising the importance of collaborative efforts for a sustainable future. He said:
“Strong partnerships, together with a shared focus and commitment will go a long way towards our drive for a more sustainable future. There is a wealth of knowledge, experience and ideas to be shared from our food producers and academia here today that will play a huge role in promoting growth, nourishment and sustainability across the agri-food industry.
“By working together, we can look at the whole picture of the local environment and works towards regenerative sustainability.”
On behalf of SRC, Business Support Manager, Tracy Rice, welcomed everyone to the event and explained the importance of the regeneration to the agri-food industry within the borough and how we all need to work together to achieve positive results.
Following a recent visit to Romania, Lydia Reilly, a food innovation and technology specialist from SRC explained the core principles of regenerative sustainability. Lydia outlined the regeneration pillars, inspiring businesses to embrace a new way of working that may prioritise sustainable practices. Lydia’s presentation focused on key regenerative concepts, emphasising how organisations can move beyond traditional sustainability to their businesses. Her insights aimed to spark a fundamental shift in business thinking, encouraging companies to adopt strategies that actively contribute to a regenerative way of working.
Keynote speaker Jilly Dougan from The Yellow Door delivered an inspiring address, advocating for placing the natural world at the core of our economy. Sharing her personal journey of transforming her garden into a regenerative, biodiverse haven, Jilly demonstrated the potential of working in harmony with nature.
A panel of expert business leaders, representing Kingsbury Wagyu, Ballydown Milk and Grouchos on the Square, shared insights into the sustainable choices that have shaped their businesses. highlighting how impactful change often stems from embracing unconventional approaches.
Liam McNally from International Synergies led an engaging discussion on repurposing surplus materials and encouraged attendees to explore sustainable solutions for excess stock within their own businesses.
The event fostered a vibrant atmosphere of networking and idea-sharing, energised by delicious samples provided by local businesses including Nice Buns, Chala Chai, Jackson Roze, Richmount Health Foods and Apple Tree Farm. Breakfast was generously provided by Quails Fine Foods, with yoghurt from Ballydown Milk.
Attendees had ample opportunity to network, connect and learn from each other, as well as pose questions to the panel of speakers.
Feedback from the event has been overwhelmingly positive. The Food Heartland Network extends a huge thank you to all attendees and contributors for their participation in this collaborative effort to build a greener future for the borough.
