In 2025-2026, Feasta, Talamh Beo and Cultivate (The Sustainable Ireland Coop) are collaborating on a two-year research and advocacy project on local food economies in Ireland.
Food production is obviously fundamental to human wellbeing, and is therefore also central to achieving a wellbeing economy. Yet Ireland’s agricultural sector is currently far from sustainable. It lacks resilience, as it is heavily dependent on imports (e.g., 19% of potatoes, 95% of apples, 80% of onions, 90% of lettuce and 53% of soft fruit are imported), while its significant dairy and beef exports are frequently exposed to risks from geopolitical turbulence and volatile market dynamics. Moreover, many export-driven Irish agricultural practices are inadvertently causing substantial local and global environmental damage.
Local food economies, by contrast, can play a foundational role in resilient, circular, ecologically regenerative and well-being-centered economies and societies.
Local food producers clearly need income stability and business viability if they are to survive and thrive. But there is generally a poor understanding – among food producers themselves, citizens, policy makers and politicians – both of the vital role of local food production, and of the potential positive contribution of ‘upstream’ economic policy measures such as Basic Income, within the agricultural sector and in the wider sustainable economy.
With support from the Irish Environmental Network (IEN), this project aims to improve understanding of the local food economy and to develop and promote policies that support local food producers and enhance the viability of local food systems in Ireland, reinforcing their role in the transition to a Sustainable Economy. Throughout the project, we will host webinars and in-person events to share findings, build engagement, spark conversation and inspire action. Please find links to further information below.
Featured image from Leaf and Root Farm.
