A Taste For Change

Join us for a local food experience that invites you to taste, learn, and take part in shaping the future of Northern Ireland’s food system. 'A Taste for Change' brings together local growers, producers, and innovators to explore how food connects health, the environment, and our economy, inspired by the Northern Ireland Food Strategy Framework, we want to hear your thoughts.

Over three courses of conversation and discovery, you’ll hear real stories from those leading change in our food landscape — from small-scale growers to community champions to innovative producers. Together, we’ll explore how their work reflects the Framework’s missions: improving lifelong health and wellbeing, supporting sustainable supply chains, and building economic prosperity through food.

Paul Cunningham, owner of Mourne Larder and Scopers takeaway, Dundrum, and previous IFEX Chef of the Year will prepare each course to accompany the discussions.

We'll hear from Cormac Dollan (Nature Friendly Farming Network), Rodney McBride (Sustainable Food Places, Newry, Mourne & Down Council) and Lee Robb (Carrick Greengrocers)

Enjoy locally sourced dishes designed to illustrate the Framework’s principles of food as nourishment, connection, and innovation. Between bites, take part in lively discussions and share your own food stories and pledges for a more sustainable food future.

This is more than a meal — it’s a conversation about how we can use food to transform health, climate, and community across Northern Ireland.