As we all know life is usually teasing and it is always so that in good company and favourable conditions time passes by extremely quickly. Friday took us by surprise in two ways: firstly, because it came so fast and secondly - it was simply amazing.
We started with a group photo and then “round-chair” discussions sharing experiences and exchanging examples concerning job market, agriculture and food sovereignty. We talked about financial situation in our countries, minimal wages and gender budgeting – we agreed that the latter has to be implemented in the agricultural policy. Similarly, we came to a conclusion that it is indispensable to combat the problem of food speculation. Later Geoff told us his story of influencing policy-makers via accessible/ user-friendly publications on food, agriculture and security. It gave us hope that change on a political level can indeed be madeJ
After a break we continued in a lovely atmosphere in the garden by breathing exercises and stimulating our energy, among others by moving conveto’s walls;) Then we divided into three groups, each of which had to formulate own vision of future (dream of what the reality should look like) and propose what we can do after the workshops in order to change sth for better.
The first group emphasized that in the future children should be protected from harmful, unhealthy or old food. They are convinced that media and schools ought to play a major role in improving the current bad state of affairs. Local authorities could introduce to schools nutritional meals in, say, Jamie-Olivier style. Appropriate role models might encourage kids to go in for sports and develop healthy eating habits. It is crucial to target vulnerable groups. We also count on peer pressure (which at least once could have beneficial effects) – if a popular child ate healthily, others would follow in his/her footsteps.
The second team came up with the following sound bites: community, connection, self-awareness, linking the political with the private, historical awareness of Europe, responsibility, definition of happiness, holistic approach to all problems.
The third group would glow with happiness if people understood that good food is not elitist. What’s more, it can cost less than the “cheap”, low-quality products (obviously we perceive it in such way, because we don’t take into account health repercussions of its consumption). We think it is really necessary to retain people’s dignity and not simply provide them with meals from food banks. Education, culinary lessons at schools, legislative changes in redistribution of food “waste” (take e.g. unsold bread) and media campaign against overconsumption/overbuying are of primary significance. We decided to cooperate also after the workshops by means of a mailing list and in this way to stay in touch, keep informed, share materials, experiences etc. We will disseminate the acquired knowledge and raise food/gender/green awareness by social networking (never underestimate the power of Facebook;)) It might be also very helpful to jointly formulate various letters to MEPs on issues that are so dear to us.
Brainstorming cost a lot of energy which we supplemented with generous portions of unrivalled pasta we did yesterday with three kinds of sauces: zucchini+anchois, pesto and tomato+herbs. Then, we proceeded with a fried Italian sausage and bean in tomato sauce. Mmmmm…J
In jolly moods we learned how pecorino and ricotta are made locally. We couldn’t of course resist a temptation to savour them and also buy some for keepsake (or should I say – eatsake) and gifts. Then, in the delightful full moon we wandered through ecological farm and listened how kiwis, grapes and olives are grown organically. To our horror, the climate change has already impacted crops and everything blossoms almost a month earlier (sic!).
There couldn’t be any better crowning of this day than our dinner at the farm. The wealth and variety of food was simply overwhelming. It’s difficult not to forget about everything we ate, but I will do my best: bruschetta in three versions - with fresh oil, mushroom paste and tomatoes, bean, bean with onion, chicpea, aubergine with garlic (well, oil was like an intrinsic element, so you can take it for granted that it was added to everything), delicious bread, pasta with broccoli and sausage, chicken breast with fried potatoes and special local cabbage, aubergine with parmigianno, two tarts with apricot or blackberry jam, special pastries with wine most… Not to mention that we helped ourselves with divine organic wine, two kinds of Grappa and herbal liquor. Some of us got so motivated and brave that they dared to go to hot springs despite the darkness and arctic temperatures (mind who is writing these words;) Anyway, this is a completely different story, which will have its own author…
Liliana
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