Funding to run an in-person event for small, local food businesses interested in exploring how sustainability and net-zero can fit within their activities, and how they could reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Inspirational businesses will present their work and case studies will be produced.
The main output from the project was the production of a companion booklet, People Planet Profit booklet, which was shared after the event. As well as containing information about the event and the partner organisations involved, the booklet details seven local case study businesses and five projects providing relevant business support.
Both the event and the booklet have raised awareness of examples of best practice around sustainability in the food and drink sector. This includes practices which have supported businesses to reduce their emissions, such as Two Drifters Distillery’s self-imposed carbon tax. By highlighting these sector-specific examples, it is hoped that other food and drink businesses, who may be earlier on in their sustainability journeys, have become better informed about sustainable practices, recognise that sustainability can go hand in hand with profitability, and feel inspired to take their own steps towards sustainability and net-zero.
Following the event, feedback from attendees and other partners revealed a strong appetite for more events and work to support sustainable food and drink businesses in Devon. As such, the Devon Food Partnership is going to continue work with the Food Drink Devon Sustainability Working Group and other partners to design a series of themed sustainability events. Currently, there are plans or ideas for the following events:
