These one-day workshops were convened as a follow up to the New England Food Summit held 24-25 March 2011 in Portsmouth, NH. The workshops brought together delegates from the March summit and other stakeholders. The goal of the June workshop was to establish a two-part vision: first, a provisional or working vision in the form of a concise, numeric goal that will either take the form of a % of caloric requirement by a target date or an alternative framing that is determined to be more effective; and second, to articulate a vision of regional collaboration and concrete actions that will advance this shared regional goal. Both of these goals were met and further refined during the August meeting. The August meeting brought together a smaller group of researchers who met to discuss the production, diet and climate assumptions behind New England's 'Good Food' Vision. The draft vision statement is: "New England will have the capacity to produce 80% of a healthy diet for all of its citizens by 2060."

June 3, 2011 Workshop

This one-day workshop convened delegates from the March summit and other stakeholders to conduct a rapid appraisal of one vision of a New England Sustainable Food Culture. Our starting point will be that by 2050, 80% of New England's caloric requirements will be met by “good food” generated by the New England food system. Because caloric requirements can be met, for example by candy bars and soda, this goal specifies “good food” which is based on the Kellogg Foundation definition. The 80% by 2050 framing emerged at the recent New England Food Summit as a result of a presentation by Brian Donahue and comments by Russ Libby.  And this workshop is a next step towards developing a regional charter or vision that can contribute to collaboration. 

 
80% by 2050 is only a starting point. Indeed, Brian believes that 80% isn't possible. In addition, the assumptions that underpin this framing are not based on published, peer-reviewed study nor have they been vetted by experts. Also we are not at all certain that framing a % of caloric requirement by a target date is the best way to formulate a vision. And if it is, how do we determine what is the most inspiring and challenging number that is feasible -- not "realistic" or likely in political terms -- but feasible ecologically, nutritionally, economically and culturally?  What we do believe is that a bold vision around which diverse sectoral and disciplinary talent and creativity can organize to advance a regional food system approach that serves the public good for current and future New Englanders.
 
In order to frame key questions and establish a provisional or working number, we will bring together researchers from the ecological/agro-ecological and climate sciences as well as demography, economics, and public policy, and representatives from other sectors for this one-day workshop. The goals of the workshop are to establish a two-part vision: first, a provisional or working target in the form of a concise, numeric goal that will either take the form of a % of caloric requirement met by New England generated “good food” by a target date, or an alternative framing that is determined to be more effective; and second, to articulate a vision of regional collaboration and concrete actions that will advance this shared regional goal. We believe that the establishment of a % by date number can offer an aspirational point of reference around which a multiple actions can be organized including research and analysis, education and communication, organizing, advocacy and policy development. 

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August 4, 2011 Workshop

The August 4th workshop brought together a smaller group of researchers who met to discuss the production, diet and climate assumptions behind New England's 'Good Food' Vision. The draft vision statement is: "New England will have the capacity to produce 80% of a healthy diet for all of its citizens by 2060." Goals of the meeting included:

• Establish the common framework which will be the basis for our vision and priorities 
• Determine the assumptions that will need to be made given the adopted framework  
• Identify key tasks and resources for moving the effort forward.
• Present brief background of project and foundational assumptions

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