Workshop Program

Background details of the case study regions for the workshops can be found by clicking on one of the links below
 


The conference will be seeking to generate solutions to sustainability. For this to happen, we need people living and working in agriculture to work together with others at the conference. A series of discussions based around 6 selected regions will facilitate this process and form the basis of a broad range of ideas suitable for many other different regions around the country.

Particpants will be asked to think about the economy, the people and the environment in each region and consider the following topics:

  • - what currently works well for agriculture in that region?
  • - what are the key elements, if any, of agricultural production in your region that would benefit from some redesign? And, why?
  • - what, if anything, can be learned and applied from the theories and principles you've heard at this conference so far?
  • - where else do we need to look to guide any change needed to build a sustainable region for ourselves and future generations?

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    The task for conference delegates will be to begin to map out the ways in which agriculture in the various regions will move from what it is now, to a future which it is sustainable for the people who live there, the economy of the region and the environment.
    Some of the key questions you will need to address in doing this are:

  • What will be the main features of agriculture that is sustainable in your region into the future?
  • Who needs to be involved in designing the changes needed?
  • How can those people become part of the process if they are not already?
  • What resources (people, funding and/or other) are critical to achieving the changes necessary?
  • Are there particular obstacles you will need to overcome in your region?
  • What role will governments play in the process?
  • What role for scientists?
  • Do you have people able to lead and champion any changes needed?

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    The ideas generated from these sessions will be pooled and worked into a framework suitable for many regions, industries and people.