Feeding Melbourne's Economy: How food and farming underpins our metrapolitan region's unique business culture

Hosted by the Melbourne Business & Biodiversity Circle (MB&BC), ‘Feeding Melbourne’s Economy’ is part of the seasonal event program, exploring the relationships between our local culture, economy & Nature.

Special Guests

• Aaron Gray - Sustainability Officer, Yarra City Council
• Jane Ward - Urban Agriculture Facilitator, Yarra City Council
• Jean Darling - Founder & Managing Director, Cirque du Soil

About

Melbourne, known for its diversity and high quality of life, relies heavily on food and farming as a key cultural and economic pillar. From daily work rituals like morning coffee meetings and tea room conversations to world-class conferences and events, every business in Melbourne is intricately connected to Victoria’s food system.

As urban sprawl and rising costs for agricultural land pose challenges for our farmers, it's crucial for businesses to listen to frontline food and farming professionals. This collective understanding is essential for addressing issues and taking effective business-led biodiversity action for the well-being of present and future generations.

The event will delve into the impact of food systems on greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss and pollution. According to the World Bank, the current food systems incur $12 trillion in hidden costs. However, investing in a healthy and sustainable food system could unlock $4.5 trillion in new business opportunities annually.

Join us as we explore how businesses can play a pivotal role in shaping a resilient future for Melbourne and its food & farming sector.

Reserve your ticket to Feeding Melbourne’s Economy before they get gobbled up!

* Free of charge for MB&BC members

** Newcomers welcome!

Join the Melbourne Business & Biodiversity Circle

Emerging as a response to the Global Biodiversity Framework, the Melbourne Business & Biodiversity Circle (MB&BC) is a collaborative space where professionals working at the intersection of our economy and Nature can come together to share their knowledge, visions and anxieties in a positive, aspirational space. Learn more and register your interest in becoming a MB&BC 2024 Member by emailing helen@regenprojects.earth. 

About the National Sustainability Festival

For over two decades, the National Sustainability Festival has presented a leading event platform with the mission of creating widespread cooperation for ecological and social sustainability. From its early beginnings in regional Australia, the Festival has grown into the nation’s largest and most comprehensive event for showcasing community, economic, and technological responses to the environmental challenges of our time.

About Collingwood Children’s Farm

Nestled on the banks of the Birrarung and only four kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD, Collingwood Children’s Farm was founded in 1979 to support and engage local children experiencing adversity. As a much loved not-for-profit organisation, the Farm’s reason for being remains true to its roots: community engagement, education and connection with nature, green space and animals.

Further Readings:

• University of Melbourne, Building of Melbourne’s Food System – A Roadmap (May 2022)
• VicHealth, Towards a Healthy, Regenerative and Equitable Food System in Victoria: A Consensus Statement (May 2022)
• CSIRO, Reshaping Australian Food Systems (June 2023)
• FAO, Ecosystem restoration for people, nature and climate. Becoming #GenerationRestoration  (2021)

For any queries, please contact helen@regenprojects.earth

Regen Projects