#11🏖️The Cornucopia- Systemic Investing, Eating Invasive Species, Farming Festivals, Local Food Partnerships & Water Systems
Melbourne to Victoria and Beyond: Your Regular Scoop of the Food Systems Scene
Regen Melbourne acknowledges and respects the Bunurong, Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation, which is now known as Melbourne. We extend these acknowledgements to all Traditional Owners across the State of Victoria. The food system knowledge, practices and deep wisdom of the First Nations people of this land guides, informs and drives our work.
🎉Welcome to our first Cornucopia of 2025!
We hope your break was filled with memorable meals, peaceful moments in nature, and precious time with friends and family As we dive back into the world of food systems change, we hope you're feeling refreshed and inspired for the year ahead. We definitely are (even though we do miss those afternoon naps!).
As we start the year, we’d love to hear from you on what you’d like to see in 2025 for The Cornucopia- what kinds of stories, experiences and events would be meaningful for you to read about?
Hot Off the Grill🫓
Across the Globe 🌎
📝The IPBES released a policy summary exploring the critical intersections between biodiversity, environment and water.
🔬Rockefeller Foundation published a paper on bridging Indigenous knowledge and modern science for sustainable food transformation.
💵An insightful video from Transcap that reimagines the role of systemic investment within the food system.
😧 The annual Broken Plate Report reported that UK communities with the lowest income would need to spend 45% of their disposable income to afford a healthy diet (increasing to 70% for households with children)- among other worrying findings relating to advertising and climate.
📊Food Systems Countdown Report reveals mixed progress towards better food systems: promising advances in resilience and nutrition, but concerning trends in food price volatility and lack of government accountability.
Closer to Home 🏠
🐄New research shows why some Australian diary farmers are considering leaving the industry due to strenuous mental working conditions, while many are open to alternative business models.
🍴A new ABC TV show with Tony Armstrong will be exploring whether eating invasive species will help manage their negative impact on our environment.
🍜 Croakey piece on the need to protect cultural food access in gentrifying neighbourhoods.
☕With coffee prices set to soar, many of Australia’s neighbours are growing coffee but not the ones we like to drink.
👀A 2-minute read on the need for better data on food security in Australia, in our efforts to effectively address this complex issue.
Foodie Calendar
Feb 10, 5.30-9pm, ACMI Cinemas: Join agricultural leaders and the director of ‘Roots So Deep’ for a special Australia-first screening and Q&A of the documentary, bridging conventional and regenerative agriculture.
Feb 12, 7-8.30pm, Bargoonga Nganjin, North Fitzroy Library: Regen Food will be part of a panel hosted by the City of Yarra, where we’ll be talking all things environment and food with some incredible food campaigners.
Feb 22nd, All Day, Kyneton Racecourse: Grow Festival hosted by Macedon Ranges Regenerative Farmers, is a hands on day of food and farming over shared meals and incredible speakers.
Feb 27, 6-7.30pm, Fed Square: Join food writer Dani Valent, Gardening Australia's Hannah Maloney and Farm My School’s James McLennan for an inspiring evening as they explore pathways to a more equitable and sustainable food system.
March 6, 5-7pm, Design Gallery Melbourne: The groundbreaking Edible Urban Futures exhibition will be launching with incredible speakers on shaping urban food systems. The exhibition will stay on till the 11th of April.
The Important Stuff💲
🥕VicHealth have recently announced their local food partnerships grants, aiming to support existing collaborative networks that tackle local food challenges. They are looking to fund 6-8 Victorian partnerships between $700-$900k over 3.5 years. There will be an information session on the 6th of February, and you can register here.
Food for Thought 💭
Our human minds often compartmentalise complex challenges - energy, water, food - yet these systems are deeply intertwined. At Regen Melbourne, as we delve into our respective areas of work, we uncover the many ways they are inherently connected. Recently, we have been exploring the intersection of food systems with our mission towards a Swimmable Birrarung.
The Global Commission on the Economics of Water, co-chaired by Professor Mariana Mazzucato, highlights why this area requires our attention: 55% of global food production happens in regions with diminishing freshwater supplies. With shifting weather patterns and rising temperatures, half our global food supply stands at risk
The Commission calls for transformative change. Water, like food, must be governed as a global common good beyond national boundaries. Rather than isolated sectors, we need an economy-wide approach that recognises these systems' interconnections with all Sustainable Development Goals. The report specifically advocates for revolutionising food systems - moving away from water-intensive practices and nitrogen-based fertilisers while supporting farmers through improved irrigation and agroecological methods.
As these pathways emerge, we face a critical question: How do we work together across these interconnected systems? This means breaking down silos, while valuing Indigenous knowledge systems that have long understood these truths. In 2025, we will be exploring the ways we bridge our work, our thinking and our collaborations. If you would like to be part of this conversation, we’d love to hear from you!
🥝 Do you have something delicious brewing that you want us to share in The Cornucopia?
Send us an ✉️ at dheepa@regen.melbourne