Connecting, Educating, and Building Resilience: Reflections on the All-Island Food Networks Gathering 2026 By Paula White – Momentum Educate and Innovate (MEI)
Yesterday, I had the privilege of representing SMART4Food in the heart of the Midlands for a landmark event: the All-Island Food Networks Gathering 2026, hosted by the Centre for Food Culture Ireland in Portlaoise.
Bringing together over 200 passionate attendees from every corner of the island, the room was buzzing with shared energy, vision, and a collective commitment to shaping the future of Irish food. From farmers, producers and chefs to network leaders and policy influencers, the day centred on a vital premise: our food systems and their resilience are strongest when we come together.
The day was chaired and MC’d by renowned food journalist, author, and broadcaster Suzanne Campbell. A former producer of RTÉ’s Ear to the Ground and founder of the Irish Food Writing Awards, Suzanne brought her deep expertise in Irish agriculture, rural affairs, and food supply chains to the stage, expertly guiding the panel discussions and keeping the conversation sharp, engaging, and focused on real-world solutions.
Here are my key takeaways from a thought-provoking day of discussions.
- Education and Funding: Closing the Critical Gaps
Unsurprisingly, education and funding emerged as two dominant pillars throughout the panels. In an era where food costs are rising, and the push toward local self-sufficiency is more urgent than ever, speakers highlighted a glaring issue: a lack of consumer awareness regarding food provenance and agri-food systems.
To build a truly sustainable local economy, consumers must understand the true cost, effort, and care required to put high-quality food on our shelves. Addressing this educational gap isn’t just nice to have; it is critical for the survival of local food businesses and networks.
- Farmers as the Solution & The Power of Agri-Tourism
The role of Agri-tourism in bridging the divide between farm and fork was another central theme. Connecting people directly to the land builds an emotional and practical appreciation for local produce.
A memorable highlight came from a cheesemaker representing the Burren Eco-Tourism Network in Co. Clare, who reminded the room that “farmers are the solution in connecting consumers with their food.” However, they emphasised that passion alone isn’t enough; we need robust policy frameworks that support and formalise this educational role for primary producers.
Championing the farmer’s perspective, renowned chef Darina Allen of Ballymaloe spoke out passionately about the economic realities facing producers today. She voiced what many in the room felt: it is fundamentally wrong that farmers often receive only a third of the market price for their produce, calling for systemic fairness in how value is distributed across the supply chain.
- Building an Island-Wide Food Ecosystem
Looking toward future opportunities, Fáilte Ireland shared insights into their upcoming Culinary Tourism Strategy, highlighting how regional food identities can drive sustainable economic growth.
Representatives from various food networks across the country shared incredible stories of collaboration, showing how building a connected, island-wide food ecosystem can unlock untapped opportunities for smallholders, artisans, and regional communities alike.
How This Connects to SMART4Food
Attending the gathering was a powerful reminder of why initiatives like SMART4Food exist. The challenges voiced in Portlaoise- the need for targeted education, fairer economic models, digital connectivity, and stronger local resilience all align directly with our mission.
By equipping family farmers, food hubs, and regional agricultural workers with practical, bite-sized microlearning and digital tools, we aim to bridge these exact gaps. Empowering primary producers with modern skills helps them tell their story, build sustainable business models, and thrive in a changing landscape.
A huge thank you to the Centre for Food Culture Ireland for hosting such a vital event. The future of Irish food relies on collaboration, and through the SMART4Food project, we are proud to play our part in building a smarter, more resilient agrifood network together!
For more info: www.smartforfood.eu
